But this mix of fear, powerlessness, and anxiety doesn’t just make people obedient. It makes many of them angry. And anger always needs a target. So when the regime hands them “enemies,” it’s a perfect outlet. They get to hold on to their belief system and vent their frustration at the same time.

On state TV, in Telegram channels, you hear bloodthirsty calls for violence, and it feels like the whole country is hungry for war. But the real hate-mongering comes from educated, well-off people—journalists, influencers, and celebrities—terrified they’ll be the next target.