Origination of “Useful Idiots” In a political context, the disparaging term “useful idiots” describes individuals who, wittingly or unwittingly, provide propaganda for a cause not fully understood, and are regarded contemptuously by the leader of that cause. Though never confirmed, many believe the Russian, Vladimir Lenin—a master of propaganda and manipulation, and founder of the… More
The Fifth Column—Can History Repeat?
Origin of the term and its impact For those unfamiliar with the term, a fifth column refers to a group of subversive people who undermine their own country by any overt or clandestine means to collaborate with an enemy. The term originated in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War when troops of the fascist General… More