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In order to investigate the dangers of propaganda, Kris first reviews the psychoanalytic theories on suggestion and hypnosis. The term, suggestion, generally designates the fact that man can be influenced by determined actions of others without being fully aware of it. Expressed in psychoanalytic terminology, suggestibility refers to conditions not under the control of the adult ego. Psychoanalysis understands suggestion and hypnosis as regressive phenomena in connection with unconscious libidinal processes. Psychoanalysis has also studied the conditions which increase and decrease suggestibility.
Having reviewed these theories, Kris tries to apply them to a better understanding of the effect of totalitarian propaganda. It is for example a common psychoanalytic statement that disappointment increases the readiness to accept suggestions. A child who is disappointed by being forced to realize that his parents are not omnipotent, is looking for other persons who might be more powerful. Something similar probably takes place when social events shake the confidence of the masses in their leaders. In such a situation the suggestibility of the masses increases; they are easily influenced by 'prophets' who promise salvation. Suggestibility increases in proportion to the disturbance of social equilibrium.
However, the opposite may also occur under similar circumstances. Kris analyzes a certain scepticism towards all propaganda which may be compared to a state of saturation by overadvertising. Such a scepticism is not only directed against foreign propaganda but also against propaganda from one's own groups. This condition may even indirectly help the foreign propaganda. If weariness results in an unconscious wish to give up, the propaganda of the dictators may find willing listeners. It states that the powers of the dictators are irresistable and if that is true resistance would be senseless. This, says Kris, is an aspect of the danger of propaganda because of o