 Tyrants always first isolate their subjects in order to control them. That's a recurring pattern, though they may not be conscious of it, that's what they do. And this imposed isolation can be mental, emotional, or physical. And the impulse can be found at every level of tyranny. For example, a gaslighting partner in a one-on-one relationship does it, but so does a schoolyard bully or a toxic boss or a dangerous cult leader.