The hottest Political Psychology Substack posts right now

The author describes their experience with a toxic relationship, highlighting the pain caused by emotional manipulation and humiliation from a parent. They emphasize how such experiences can deeply affect one's feelings and reactions.
During the debate, the author sees aggressive and manipulative tactics from Kamala Harris, likening her to their mother. They express concern about her behavior and the potential consequences of her leadership.
The author warns about 'toxic femininity' and how it can be overlooked. They urge awareness and caution, suggesting that many people might be unaware of the dangers it presents.

Authoritarianism comes in different styles. Some leaders create chaos with impulsive decisions, while others focus on structured control and planning.
Chaotic authoritarians act unpredictably and often rely on their personal charisma to maintain power. This can create a sense of instability but also keeps followers engaged.
Programmatic authoritarians prefer rules and long-term goals, using structured policies to keep control. They can seem stable but are also vulnerable to collapse during crises.

Domestic abuse often involves manipulation where the abuser takes advantage of the victim. This idea is compared to how governments and media influence and control people's beliefs and actions.
People can internalize harmful beliefs, thinking they should give up their own needs for others. This is similar to children feeling they are to blame for their parent's anger.
Many believe it's wrong to defend their interests, even if it harms them. This mindset can lead to voting against one's own best interests and accepting unfair treatment.

It's important to think carefully about how we react to political events, rather than just responding out of frustration. This way, we can lead more thoughtful conversations.
Understanding why people support Trump, like economic changes and social media influence, helps us address deeper issues in politics and society.
Fostering better mental health and understanding of tribalism can help reduce divisions. Connecting our psychological well-being with social improvements is key.

Media can create a strong belief system that isolates people from different perspectives. When they only hear one viewpoint, it makes it harder for them to accept opposing ideas.
People often double down on their beliefs when faced with evidence against them. This is because admitting they were wrong is too uncomfortable for them.
Social media has disrupted traditional media's control, allowing diverse voices to be heard. This shift is challenging for those who want to maintain their monopoly on information.

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Tech issues caused the postponement of the show to Sunday, May 5, at 9 pm. It's important to stay updated if you want to catch the episode.
The upcoming show will discuss recent protests on American college campuses, focusing on their true motivations and implications. The host believes these protests are not genuinely about the issue of Gaza.
The host connects the behavior on campuses to abusive dynamics seen in households. He aims to show how interpersonal conflicts are reflected in larger societal issues.

Some researchers are finding that authoritarian traits can be present in left-wing groups, not just right-wing ones. This challenges the common view that authoritarianism is only a right-wing issue.
There is a difference between being politely formal and genuinely respectful. Some people use formal politeness to disguise their condescension and social judgment.
The conversation touches on the reality of mortality and the challenges people face when dealing with death and funerals, especially in a financial context.

Many people feel strongly about political results, leading to actions like protests and calls for counseling after elections. It shows how deeply politics can affect emotions and mental health.
Some mental health professionals suggest avoiding family members who voted differently, highlighting the divisive nature of current politics. This reflects how difficult it can be for some people to cope with differing opinions.
There is a sense among some groups that they have been treated unfairly over the years, leading to desires for payback or change. This feeling drives people to want to take action to improve their situation.

Delusional self-belief can be a powerful asset but can also lead to disaster.
A certain level of self-deception is common and can contribute to human happiness and progress.
Successful politicians often exhibit a mix of delusions of grandeur and the ability to align with reality, which can be a crucial element in leadership.

Western leaders are struggling to understand the real situation in Ukraine. They often rely on outdated ideas and don't recognize the complexities of the conflict.
There's a lack of clear strategy from NATO and Western nations regarding how to manage the crisis. Instead of planning, they seem to be reacting to events without a solid goal.
The current generation of political leaders lacks the experience and skills needed for high-stakes crises. This has led to confusion and ineffective decision-making in dealing with the war in Ukraine.

Political inertia often leads to the continuation of ineffective policies.
Western approaches like sanctions and air power may not be as successful as believed.
Challenges in international crises arise from a lack of alternative solutions and institutional refusal to learn from past experiences.