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A covert or overt psychological tactic in which government agencies, law enforcement, or affiliated actors deliberately provoke a targeted individual into reacting—often in anger, fear, or self-defense—with the intent of discrediting, arresting, institutionalizing, or silencing them. This manipulation is executed through harassment, intimidation, and staged confrontations, all under the protection of state authority. Often used against whistleblowers, activists, or individuals involved in litigation against the government, state-sanctioned provocation relies on surveillance infrastructure, informants, and coordinated setups to generate false narratives of instability or aggression. (noun)
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