Kopach, a columnist for the independent portal Okno.mk, published a list [MKD] entitled “10 Ways to Run a Banana State.” The author, whose pseudonym means “Digger” in Macedonian, wrote that he was inspired by and used the books Year 501: The Conquest Continues by Noam Chomsky and Homo Postcommunisticus by Mikloš Biro (a review in Serbian), and the essay Eternal Fascism by Umberto Eco. The link to the list was widely distributed and discussed on Facebook and Twitter, and via other local media, such as coffee and beer. Step 1: Treat them as monkeys The first and basic precondition in order to start any kind of discussion about running a banana state is to constantly make monkeys out of the citizens. There are different ways to go about it, but in practice it all boils down to treating the people as incompetent, inert and passive rabble, until it becomes just that: passive and inert rabble, interested only in its own belly. You have to put the masses in a corner and teach them that it is their place, making them pleased with that condition, because they are free of all social responsibilities. Step 2: Determine the leaders We know from history that even the Cossacks choose their leaders through democratic elections: the elders would elect a leader called Ataman at a plenary session (it sounds like a Hollywood movie, doesn't it?). This democratic legitimacy did not hinder the Ataman to practice his right to cut off the heads of members of his tribe as he saw fit during his reign. Similarly, in a banana state everything must revolve around the Leader, or the Leaders, because it is impossible to put everybody into one political tribe. The Leader is elevated above the others and demands awe. Step 3: Destroy their self-confidence The masses must have no self-confidence, self-respect or opportunities for self-realization. Simply put, they must not be able to do anything on their own. Working at one's own initiative can lead to understanding that one can achieve something without the leaders, and realize one's own abilities. The masses must not develop self-respect in regard to the concept of determining their own fate through honest labor. Everything, literally everything, must be given or delegated to the masses: jobs, awards, kick-backs, permits, concessions, tenders, and university degrees. There must be no exceptions in the distribution of societal benefits based on fair procedures or merit, outside of personal judgment and personal control of the Leaders. Step 4: Give them candy Part of this strategy for running a banana state is to refer to the masses as “gentlemen” (or brothers/sisters/comrades…) and at the same time to stuff them into a pen whenever you like. The approach of the rider that gives some sugar to his mount should be applied, to buy the obedience and affection. Afterwards there are no questions regarding the actual riding and conducting. Step 5: Divide them The basic precondition to running a banana state is dividing the masses, weakening them by antagonizing them against each other. Another important benefit of this approach is the control of the masses’ attention. If you generate problems in the country in a conscious and planned manner, you gain several advantageous elements: Step 6: Force grandiose ventures In the past, the grandiose pharaohnic ventures had the goal to ensure eternity and permanent trace in the collective memory for the leaders. Even though one should not underestimate the act of marking history with a personal stamp, an important dimension of grandiose ventures (projects, buildings, campaigns, events, construction, etc.) today is increasing the influx of means, money and other resources, and creating a range of opportunities to allocate them and distribute them as you see appropriate. Increased flow of resources makes it easier to direct them where you wish. Alongside other effects, this dynamism of money enables you to estimate where, to whom and how much to give, attaching the recipients to you. Two parallel processes are taking place here: Step 7: Spread fear in measured doses In order to develop awe among the masses, you must gradually plant controlled doses of fear into them. The way to do this is through selective presentation and propagation of fear-inducing scenes and events. The most frequent method to do this is showing how your opponents and unlike-minded individuals end up. A subtler method is excessive or overdosed use of force while dealing with small-fry opponents, criminals or suspects. Demonstrate force on the weaker to achieve an effect of awe, combined with subconscious submission and passivity. Step 8: Force irrationality The popular term for this is driving them mad.