How to control a herd of humans
Found on New Scientist on Tuesday, 03 February 2009
Scott Wiltermuth of Stanford University in California and colleagues have found that activities performed in unison, such as marching or dancing, increase loyalty to the group.
Psychologist Jonathan Haidt at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville thinks this research helps explain why fascist leaders, amongst others, use organised marching and chanting to whip crowds into a frenzy of devotion to their cause, though these tactics can be used just as well for peace, he stresses.
Or, like some ex-agent from the US put it: let the citizens face constant fear from groups not belonging to their country. Don't give any facts, just rumours. This way, your citizens will rally behind their leader.