New Books in Psychology Karyne E Messina, "A Psychoanalytic Study of Political Leadership in the United States and Russia: Searching for Truth" (Routledge, 2024)
Dec 8, 2024
Karyne E Messina, a psychoanalyst and educator, delves into the psychology behind political leadership in the U.S. and Russia. She discusses how personal histories shape leaders' actions and the critical role of truth in politics. Messina explores the erosion of public trust due to historical scandals and the importance of acknowledging mistakes. She analyzes Vladimir Putin's psyche in light of intergenerational trauma while advocating for transparency and critical thinking in political discourse. The conversation reveals the complexities of political ideologies and ethical considerations in leadership.
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Political Deception
- Politicians often use deception due to campaign pressures and the need for public support.
- There's a blurry line between lies and broken promises, with national security often used as justification.
Truth and Storytelling
- Karyne E. Messina values truth, influenced by her parents' contrasting communication styles.
- Her mother valued honesty while her father, a storyteller, embellished.
Obama's Deceptions
- Despite being praised for transparency, Barack Obama's administration sometimes employed deception.
- Examples include the "if you like your plan" statement and inflated job creation numbers.