The Michael Shermer Show The Psychology of War: Could YOU Make a Moral Choice in Wartime?
Nov 16, 2025
Nicholas Wright, a neurologist and neuroscientist with extensive experience in national security, dives into the complex interplay between the brain and warfare. He explores why humans engage in violence, touching on the brain's role in fear and decision-making. Wright also discusses the psychology of leadership exemplified by figures like Hitler, and why societies often do not resist atrocities. The conversation delves into the strategic implications of warfare, the nuances of human cooperation, and the challenges of nuclear deterrence.
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Brain Science Applied To Warfare
- Nicholas Wright applied neuroscience of decision-making to warfare to study how brains shape geopolitical choices.
- He moved from clinical neurology to advising Pentagon and think tanks to make research practically useful.
Walking Through The Pentagon
- Wright describes the Pentagon tour: airport-security, escorted visits, and a pentagonal courtyard cafe.
- He notes displays like a gold-plated AK-47 and memorials from 9/11 inside the vast building.
Stability Requires Institutions And Restraint
- Stable democracies like the U.S. are historically unusual and require institutions and civic restraint.
- Wright argues shared norms, reflection, and capable institutions help prevent violent regime change.
