The Persecution Machine: An Analysis of the "Roman Formula" Through the Ages

“The only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history.” — Georg Hegel. This famous quote encapsulates a tragic truth about our inability to learn from the past. Among the most disturbing and overlooked lessons is the "Roman formula," a centuries-old strategy for repressing and persecuting social, political, and religious groups. This methodology, refined over the centuries, allows for the systematic destruction of organizations, leading to the physical elimination of their members.

Origins of the "Roman Formula"

The concept of the "Roman formula" was introduced by Professor Massimo Introvigne and officially recognized by the OSCE in 2011. This strategy consists of three phases: intolerance, discrimination, and persecution. Although it originated in ancient Rome, its application is evident in many historical eras and contexts, up to the present day.

Historical Application: Ancient Rome

Phase 1: Intolerance

In ancient Rome, early Christians were targeted as enemies of the state. Roman authorities spread unfounded and sinister accusations, such as practicing cannibalism and conspiring against the Empire. These accusations aimed to dehumanize Christians in the eyes of the populace.

Phase 2: Discrimination

In the second phase, Christians were excluded from public life. They were prohibited from holding public office, engaging in certain professions, and participating in social activities. This legal discrimination created a hostile environment and further isolated Christians.

Phase 3: Persecution

The final phase saw the brutal killing of Christians. Many were thrown into arenas to fight wild beasts, crucified, or executed in other horrific ways. These public executions served to terrorize the population and consolidate state control.

Nazi Germany: The Holocaust

Phase 1: Intolerance

Nazi Germany adopted the "Roman formula" to persecute Jews. Propaganda, orchestrated by Joseph Goebbels, portrayed Jews as enemies of the state. Films, articles, and caricatures spread a negative image of Jews, fueling hatred and suspicion.

Phase 2: Discrimination

The Nuremberg Laws of 1935 marked the beginning of legal discrimination against Jews. They were stripped of civil rights, dismissed from government services, excluded from universities and the military. Jews could not marry or have relationships with "Aryans" and were excluded from public life.

Phase 3: Persecution

Persecution culminated in the Kristallnacht of 1938, during which synagogues, shops, and Jewish homes were destroyed, and thousands of Jews were arrested. The Holocaust followed, with the systematic extermination of six million Jews in concentration and extermination camps like Auschwitz and Treblinka.

Modern Applications of the "Roman Formula"

The Case of the Waco Siege

In the 1990s, the Branch Davidians, a group of Seventh-day Adventists, were subjected to a misinformation campaign. The media, influenced by anti-cult organizations, portrayed them as a dangerous cult. This manipulation led to a 51-day siege in Waco, Texas, culminating in the deaths of 82 people, including 20 children. The Waco tragedy demonstrates how the "Roman formula" can be used to manipulate public opinion and justify violent actions against religious groups.

The Persecution of Falun Gong in China

In China, the "Roman formula" has been applied against Falun Gong practitioners, a meditative practice popular in the 1990s. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) saw Falun Gong's popularity as a threat. The crackdown began with a misinformation campaign, followed by mass arrests and torture. Shocking testimonies reveal the forced organ harvesting from live practitioners, used in China's transplant industry. This heinous crime has sparked international condemnation, but the persecution continues.

Conclusions

The "Roman formula" continues to be a powerful and devastating method for justifying repression and persecution. From the distant past of ancient Rome, through the horror of the Holocaust, to modern atrocities in China, history shows us that these methods are not relics of the past but current and dangerous practices. It is imperative to recognize and counter these patterns to prevent new tragedies.

Reflecting on these themes and delving deeper into the dynamics of the "Roman formula" is essential to better understand present challenges. To this end, the documentary film THE IMPACT offers a revolutionary and detailed analysis of these historical and contemporary processes. Exploring cases of persecution and social manipulation, THE IMPACT sheds light on how the "Roman formula" has been used over the centuries and how it continues to influence our world today. For further insights, we invite you to watch this documentary and reflect on the lessons history offers us, in the hope of preventing similar tragedies from recurring.