Treasure Press has released 'Common Enemies – Their Uses and Abuses,' a 165-page nonfiction book by John Douglas Peters. The work explores how societies have used real and perceived enemies to shape identity and politics throughout history. It highlights the dual role of such narratives in fostering unity and enabling manipulation.
On March 2, 2026, Treasure Press announced the publication of 'Common Enemies – Their Uses and Abuses' by John Douglas Peters. The book, released from Belleville, Michigan, delves into the historical and modern ways individuals and societies employ shared adversaries—both genuine and fabricated—to unite populations, consolidate authority, and influence public perception.
Peters traces this phenomenon across ten chapters, drawing examples from polio to the Devil to space junk. He argues that 'us versus them' narratives serve as powerful tools for persuasion and collective mobilization, echoing strategies in Niccolò Machiavelli's 'The Prince' (1532). Leaders, institutions, and movements, according to the author, define adversaries to rally support, strengthen group identity, and justify policy decisions.
The book examines the dual nature of common enemies: they can promote unity and cooperation while also facilitating manipulation and social harm. Peters warns of fear-driven narratives' impact on politics, institutions, and public behavior. In one passage, he states, "Manipulating our citizens, attacking enemies, catching criminals, and interrogating terrorists are some of the manipulative ways common enemies are used and abused." (p. 91) He further notes, "High and important values will be abandoned by civilized people gripped by the fear of a common enemy." (p. 109)
Observers of contemporary life will recognize how political and social movements often organize around shared opposition. Peters situates these patterns within a broader historical context, offering considerations for navigating the psychological and political forces of shared enemies.
The book is available on Amazon for $19.99. Treasure Press, an independent publisher focused on nonfiction about politics, psychology, and social dynamics, can be contacted at info@treasurepress.com for interviews or review copies.
