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Stasi

Definition

The Stasi refers to the Ministry for State Security, which was the secret police agency in East Germany during the Cold War. It was responsible for surveillance, repression, and intelligence gathering.

Analogy

Imagine the Stasi as a group of undercover detectives who were constantly watching and listening to people's conversations and activities. They were like invisible spies gathering information on individuals without their knowledge.

Related terms

Cold War: This term refers to the period of political tension and hostility between the United States-led Western Bloc (Capitalist countries) and the Soviet Union-led Eastern Bloc (Communist countries) from 1947 to 1991.

Surveillance: Surveillance is the close observation of an individual or group, often done secretly or without their consent, usually with the purpose of monitoring their activities or gathering information.

Repression: Repression refers to acts of controlling, suppressing, or restraining individuals or groups through forceful means in order to limit their freedom of expression or actions.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.