alarmist tactics

The use of fear as a means of convincing people to agree to, act upon, or unite behind something. The political candidate relied on alarmist tactics to win the election, giving the impression that her opponent would plunge the state into financial ruin. The dictator has always used alarmist tactics to maintain full control over his people. The union workers are now striking. Clearly, the company's alarmist tactics did not scare them into signing an unfavorable contract.