Final answer:
Intimidation leads to destroyed trust, consequently diminishing self-confidence and reliance on societal structures. Historical examples demonstrate the lasting social and political impacts. Voter intimidation and conflict experiences like that of Israelis and Palestinians exemplify this breakdown in cooperation and trust.
Step-by-step explanation:
Destroyed trust that stems from intimidation results in a range of negative consequences. Intimidation can lead to individuals or groups having diminished self-confidence, fostering a willingness to lead a dependent and abject life, as suggested by historical texts. For instance, during Reconstruction, political violence and terrorism led to compromised federal involvement and ushered in racial repression, showcasing the profound impact intimidation can have on trust within political institutions and society as a whole.
In cases like the persistent conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians, destroyed trust can prevent cooperation, and once trust is lost, it is extremely difficult to regain. It often leads to persistent retaliatory behavior and further dissolution of trust. In Latin American countries, such as Guatemala, surveys show substantial numbers of citizens believe freedoms and rights are not guaranteed, indicting widespread mistrust in government and democratic systems.
Thus, intimidation fundamentally undermines trust and can have enduring and far-reaching effects in social, political, and economic spheres. This dynamic has been observed through issues like voter intimidation as well as in historical texts, suggesting that threats or outright violence can have lasting consequences for societal trust in institutions and among individuals.