LARB Radio Hour
Politics on the Couch: Psychoanalysis and the Presidency
Nov 19, 2024
Writer and psychoanalyst Jamieson Webster discusses the intersection of psychoanalysis and politics, drawing from her essay "Freudulence." The conversation explores how psychological insights can help us understand the motivations of leaders like Woodrow Wilson and contemporary figures like Trump. They debate the relevance of self-knowledge in decision-making and its historical implications. The discussion also touches on moral dilemmas in party politics, the emotional impacts of economic conditions, and the necessity for compassion in understanding marginalized voices.
48:08
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Quick takeaways
- Psychoanalysis provides critical insights into political behavior by revealing the psychological motivations behind voters' choices and leaders' decisions.
- Historical analyses of figures like Woodrow Wilson demonstrate how personal psychological issues can significantly impact political outcomes and crises.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Psychoanalysis and Politics
Psychoanalysis possesses significant relevance in political discourse as it delves into the psychological motivations behind voters' choices. Understanding leaders through a psychoanalytic lens can reveal their underlying desires, anxieties, and childhood experiences that shape their political behavior and decisions. The discussion highlights how psychoanalysis can move beyond merely critiquing leaders to examining the collective psychology of their constituents. This approach sheds light on the complex dynamics that govern political engagement, challenging the assumption that politics is purely rational.
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