This is a Lexicon entry: the mechanism, when it shows up, and the countermeasure. The full correction, with real-world cases and the audit prompt, hasn't been written yet.
Definition
A condition where those who fight injustice must invent new injustices once the original "dragon" is slain to maintain their identity.
When it shows up
Successful advocacy organisations whose original cause has largely been won. Civil rights organisations, consumer groups, specific disease foundations after major breakthroughs.
Failure mode
Organisations don't close after victory; they redefine the mission to stay needed. The new mission is often weaker and more diffuse than the original. The infrastructure outlives the problem it was built for, redirecting to lesser threats with the original urgency.
Countermeasure
When a cause organisation lowers its threshold for alarm, note it. Victory should mean shrinking, not rebranding. Funding organisations whose original cause is won requires asking whether the new cause justifies the same investment.
Related concepts
Also connected in the mapThe Atlas Complex·The Purity Spiral·Moral Pollution·Concept Creep·The Racism Treadmill
Origin
Also revealed
Entry #629 of 631 in The Lexicon · see the full Lexicon