Psychopathology of Political Ideologies

<p>Inspired by Freud’s <em>The Psychopathology of Everyday Life</em> this book examines the unconscious processes shaping contemporary political ideologies.</p><p>Addressing ten fundamental questions Robert Samuels identifies four basic political ideologies: liberal conservative Left and Right which are often placed in the structure of a logical square determined by two binary oppositions with a fifth structure of centrism complicating the square. He turns to psychoanalysis to explain the unconscious defense mechanisms that structure these political ideologies. Each chapter uses a recent influential title as a gateway to the analysis of the ideologies and structures identified. Through this analysis Samuels argues that belief in ideological structures is tied to triumvirates of institutions and ideals; conservatives being tied to premodern institutions of religion feudalism and monarchy while modern liberals are tied to ideals of universality objectivity and empiricism. He concludes that this investment in universality shapes the ethics of modern globalization and democratic liberalism. Unlike other books conclusions are reinforced through examples drawn from current events with an integrated model of different psychopathologies.</p><p><em>The Psychopathology of Political Ideologies </em>moves beyond providing an understanding of what drives different political investments to offer a more rational and conscious comprehension of subjectivity and social organization. This book will be a great resource for those interested in politics political science psychology social psychology globalization and ideology.</p>