An enemy complex is in modern psychology a mental disorder in which a person falsely believes he or she is surrounded by enemies. [1] Additional disorders of the mind generally accompanied with an enemy complex include paranoia and low-self esteem. [2]
American historian Robert C. Tucker used the phrase in his 1988 book Stalin as Revolutionary to describe the mental state of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. [2]
Mike Tyson described himself having an enemy complex. Thinking that his opponents and their coaches and trainers were his enemies. [3]