political-paranoia
Fear of infiltration, espionage, and the collapse of the anarchist experiment underlies much of the opposition to opening Anarres to outsiders.
4 chapters across 2 books
The Dispossessed (1974)Ursula K. Le Guin
In Chapter 12 of The Dispossessed, a contentious council debate unfolds over a proposal by Bedap's Syndicate of Initiative to allow a small group of Urrasti settlers, calling themselves the Odonian Society, to come to Anarres. The council grapples with fears of political and cultural contamination, the risk of losing the anarchist experiment, and the tension between individual freedom and collective security. Shevek introduces the idea of sending an Anarresti to Urras, highlighting the individual's right to initiate harmless action despite societal restrictions.
The Stochastic Man (1975)Robert Silverberg
The chapter depicts a harsh winter in New York that mirrors the protagonist's isolation following his dismissal. The protagonist maintains contact only with Bob Lombroso, who reveals the political leader Paul Quinn's fear and paranoia about determinism and the protagonist's claimed ability to see the future. Despite being fired, the protagonist plans to continue influencing Quinn's decisions indirectly through Lombroso, reflecting his enduring commitment and strategic adaptation.
In this chapter, the protagonist attempts to contribute policy suggestions through a proxy, Bob Lombroso, but their efforts are thwarted when their connection is discovered by Haig and Mardikian, who warn Lombroso to cease involvement to protect his position. The protagonist realizes that he has become an enemy in the political landscape, highlighting the paranoia and suspicion surrounding Lew Nichols and his influence.
The chapter depicts the aftermath of a catastrophic riot in New York City on New Year's Day, highlighting the widespread violence, lawlessness, and institutional collapse, including the resignation of Police Commissioner Sudakis. The protagonist reflects on the political fallout, his own predictive reputation, and the growing paranoia and hostility from Mayor Quinn, who now views him as a dangerous, possibly supernatural threat. The protagonist's contact, Lombroso, warns him to sever ties with the mayor and consider leaving the city for his own safety.