Today, I shall like to discuss one of the oldest trick in the book; History has shown us that power does not always rest on strength alone but often on manipulation. Among the oldest and most effective political tools ever wielded is the “Us vs. Them” tactic; the deliberate creation of an enemy to unite one group while dividing humanity.

This strategy, rooted in fear and division, allows those in power to justify their own actions, mask their failings, and distract from their wrongdoings. It is the classic playbook of rulers, empires, corporations, and even religious and social movements.

How It Works

• Create an enemy: Leaders point to another group, nation, race, or idea and label them as dangerous.
• Unite the people: Fear makes people rally around their leader, believing only they can provide safety.
• Hide the truth: While everyone is focused on the “enemy,” the leader’s own corruption, injustice, or cruelty is ignored.

Divide and Conquer

Division is another powerful element. When people are united by common interests, they are harder to manipulate. But when fractured into competing tribes, religions, races, or political ideologies, they lose sight of their collective strength.

The powerful exploit these divides, ensuring that the oppressed argue among themselves while overlooking the true source of their suffering. It’s the age-old principle of “divide and conquer,” not only to weaken opposition but to ensure the people never realize their own power.

Turning a Blind Eye to Atrocities

Once an “enemy” is established, people will often excuse or justify even the most brutal acts. Wars are fought, freedoms curtailed, dissent silenced; all under the claim of “protecting our way of life.”

Meanwhile, corruption, exploitation, and abuse flourish behind the curtain of patriotism or moral righteousness. As long as the enemy looms large in the public’s imagination, the crimes of their own leaders remain overlooked.

Examples Through Time

• Ancient Rome used the spectacle of enemies and gladiatorial combat to distract the masses from political corruption.
• Colonial powers divided native populations against one another to maintain control with minimal manpower.
• Dictatorships of the 20th century rallied populations against imagined threats, justifying mass surveillance, censorship, and even genocide.

Why have I chosen to discuss this again today? Because this is a pattern that repeats, why? Because it works. Fear an enemy, obey your leader, ignore their crimes.

Breaking the Cycle

Awareness is the first weapon against manipulation. Recognizing when we are being pushed into an “us vs. them” narrative allows us to resist it. The real struggle is not between neighbors, classes, or nations, but between those who exploit division and the rest of us who long for justice, dignity, and peace.

As long as humanity continues to fall for the oldest trick in the book, history will echo with cycles of division, fear, and blind obedience. But the day we refuse to let manufactured enemies cloud our vision will be the day we finally break free from the chains of manipulation.

©️Victor E. Ojei, 2025.