C.K. Westbrook, an environmentalist and author known for The Impact Series, dives deep into the psychology of political leadership. The discussion centers on the erosion of truth in politics, using historical events to illustrate how deceit fractures public trust. They delve into the psychological profiles of leaders like Putin and Trump, exploring how trauma and ethical dilemmas shape their decisions. Westbrook emphasizes the need for transparency to rebuild epistemic trust, especially for future generations reliant on truthful information.

C.K. Westbrook, an environmentalist and author based in D.C., dives into the psychoanalytic study of political leadership in the U.S. and Russia. The discussion reveals how historical lies have eroded public trust and the urgent need for truth-telling in governance. They examine pivotal events like the atomic bombings and the influence of intergenerational trauma on leaders like Putin. The conversation underscores the importance of epistemic trust and highlights how understanding psychological profiles can illuminate contemporary political dynamics.