Doesn't even require an exchange of threats; just fear towards what could be. The order followers within a chain of command kiss up to those above them; hence the fear of the power those might wield when turning against them.

Then there's also blackmail; gained by vetting those who raise through the ranks based on being exploitable (usually vices), and finally the ignorance of the many tempting those who want to help them to feel impotent when not getting confirmation back (which is where the media; from medius - "middle" comes in as the bulwark of suggested communication of information).

It's the intent of "against others" that always causes self destruction; because to "want" to go against another represents the ignorance towards the "need" to sustain self as choice in response to balance (need/want). This guy was stick within want vs not want (conflict of reason); while ignoring need (balance).

One doesn't need to go against the beast system suggested by another; one needs to adhere to the perceived system that one chooses to ignore for the suggested one. The parasitic few represent the response to the ignorance of the many towards natural law; towards representing form (life) within flow (inception). The few simply racketeer ignorance (of need) through suggestion (of want or not want); the resulting conflict (want vs not want) is being suggested as LOG'IC, noun [Latin id; Gr. from reason, to speak.]

Nature doesn't speak; it communicates inspiration towards senses by moving everything within. Words are shaped by choice (want over need) out of perceived sound; then suggested towards choice of others (want over need aka temptation) as idolized meaning (words; brands; idols; suggested information).