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Referencing the Chinese communists after their 1949 takeover by the Soviets, the term “thought reform” was first introduced into the psychiatric literature by Robert Lifton during the early 1950s. Overall, the literature discusses two generations of interest in thought reform programs. The first generation of interest related to Soviet and Chinese thought reform and behavior control practices that were studied 30 to 40 years ago. As of the early 1990s, a second generation of interest in thought reform programs focused on those existing within the United States. Today, in the wake of the September 11th attacks, there seems to be yet a third generation of awareness emerging, which includes thought reform programs that span between continents throughout the world, including the United States. True to the horrifying outcomes of earlier thought reform regimes, this current era delves into an increasingly alarming level of mind control; victims are trained to kill all who oppose them through whatever means possible, including suicide bombings. Guaranteed eternal elation, victims are seduced into compliancy and believing their deaths will be greatly admired by their survivors and highly rewarded by God.
Speaking about this deeply disturbing and emotionally charged topic was Israeli-born psychoanalyst Ruth Stein. A guest of the American Institute for Psychoanalysis, Stein presented a thought-provoking and elegantly written paper on the use of affect and trauma in the service of “thought reform,” or what is more commonly referred to as “brainwashing.” The audience's personal experience of the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center and the talk of future attacks and a pending war made this a timely topic. Given her geographical roots, Stein is no stranger to the fear and horrifying outcome of terrorism, suicide bombings, or war. Perhaps this reality added to the discomfort in the room as her presentation unfolded. Through her calm presence and soothing tone, Stein sha