Politics on the Couch

In this engaging discussion, Professor Michael Bang Petersen, a political scientist from Aarhus University with a focus on evolutionary psychology, sheds light on why some voters are drawn to chaos. He argues that many who share misinformation are politically savvy and motivated by the potential to disrupt political systems. The conversation reveals how status anxiety fuels this desire for instability, while economic inequality and the search for community further empower those embracing political chaos. Petersen opens a window into the complex interplay between chaos, order, and voter psychology.

A conversation between Rafael Behr and writer and broadcaster David Aaronovitch, about ripples from the pandemic that still shape politics, with a digression on the ways that Britain is not America and whether that makes 'Maga-populism' less contagious.LinksDavid Aaronovitch's substack - https://davidaaronovitch.substack.comBBC's Briefing Room presented by David Aaronovitch - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002bj77This is a Behr and Berman podcast productionThis is a Behr and Berman podcast production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reflecting on five years of political insights, the hosts delve into the psychology behind authoritarianism and populism. They analyze the impact of fear on voter turnout and the challenges faced by liberal parties. The discussion includes the ethical dilemmas of psychoanalyzing political figures and the dark allure of charismatic leaders. They also emphasize the importance of maintaining mental hygiene in the age of negative online discourse, advocating for cognitive empathy as a tool to navigate differing political perspectives.

Dr. Leor Zmigrod, a political psychologist and neuroscientist, dives into the neurological factors behind dogmatic thinking in this engaging discussion. She explores why certain individuals are more prone to radicalization, examining how personality traits and social dynamics play a role. Zmigrod highlights the dangers of conspiracy theories and the influence of social media on ideological rigidity, especially among youth. Additionally, she emphasizes the need for cognitive flexibility as a crucial tool in combating radical beliefs and fostering open-mindedness.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Professor Paula Surridge, an expert in political sociology from the University of Bristol, discusses the increasing fragmentation of voter support in the UK since Brexit. She explores the rise of Reform UK and the vulnerabilities of its supporters. The role of tactical voting and how the Liberal Democrats are capitalizing on this shift is examined. Surridge also delves into the challenges the Conservative Party faces with its identity amid changing voter expectations and the impact of non-voters on the electoral landscape.

Host Rafael Behr talks to author, policy expert and podcaster Sam Freedman about his new book Failed State: Why Nothing Works and How We Fix ItSam Freedman is a senior fellow at the Institute for Government and an Ark Schools adviser. He writes about policy and politics for numerous outlets, including the Financial Times, Sunday Times, Guardian and New Statesman. With his father, he runs ‘Comment is Freed’, Britain’s most popular politics Substack. He has spent his career working in different policy-focused roles around Westminster, including as an adviser to the then opposition leader, David Cameron, and as a senior policy adviser at the Department for Education for three years, working with (friends of the podcast) Michael Gove and Dominic Cummings. Feedspot has chosen Politics on the Couch as one of the Top 25 UK Psychology and Political Science Podcasts on the web.https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_psychology_podcastshttps://blog.feedspot.com/political_science_podcastsThis is a Behr and Berman podcast production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a week of protests, counter-protests and riots in the UK, 5000 miles away in Bangladesh student-led uprising led to 300 people being killed, the toppling of a corrupt PM and violent regime, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner being installed as head a new interim government. In this edition, we're talking about the violent and momentous events in Bangladesh with award-winning British-born investigative journalist David Bergman, who has been following and reporting on the country for almost 30 years. He's written widely about Bangladesh for The Daily Telegraph, Al Jazeera, the New York Times, and The Times. Between 2004 and 2017, he lived in Bangladesh, writing for several Bangladeshi newspapers, including New Age, The Daily Star and bdnews24.com.He was forced to leave in 2017 due to his critical writing about government corruption and human rights violations.Since then, he’s lived in London and helped found Netra News, a media platform based in Sweden that published investigative news and analysis on BangladeshHe’s also won a Royal Television Society award for a documentary he worked on about the atrocities that took place during Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence. In the episode, David explains what happened there, what sparked it off, what’s next for the country, what we know about the next potential leader and the fascinating links between a new Labour Minister and the now deposed Bangladeshi PM and her party.Links mentioned in the podcasthttps://x.com/TheDavidBergmanhttps://x.com/muktadirnewagehttps://x.com/nomhossainhttps://x.com/taqbirhudahttps://www.facebook.com/shafiqul.alam.71216This is a Behr and Berman podcast production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this summer bonus episode, Raf and (producer) Phil discuss the changing mood around British politics since Labour's election victory, the restoration of seriousness after years of triviality, why some people can't adapt, why others want to believe that Keir Starmer can deliver the change he has promised and whether they are right.Links to stuff mentioned in the podcastMore in Common reportTony Judt's essayReform came 2nd in 89 of the seats that Labour won.Lowest voter turnout for a General Election since universal suffrage beganThis is a Raf Behr and Larchmont Productions podcast.This is a Behr and Berman podcast production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Nichola Raihani, an expert in evolution and behavior, discusses the motivations behind political cooperation, the evolution of society, and the dynamics of cooperation, altruism, and empathy in human societies. The conversation explores the role of culture, history, and evolution in shaping political organizations and societal values, providing insights into the fundamental fabric of politics and society.

In the wake of October 7th and Trump's bid to become US President again, Rafael Behr sits down with fellow Guardian columnist and friend - Jonathan Freedland - to discuss the current state of geopolitics, liberal politics, Israel and Jewish identity.Events featuring Rafael BehrShoreham, West Sussex, Wed 24 AprilAn evening with Guardian columnist Rafael Behr and television producer Rob Burley in conversation with Ayesha Hazarika MBE, political commentator and broadcaster, and former special adviser to Gordon Brown, Harriet Harman and Ed Miliband.More detailsCentral London, Thursday 25th AprilWhat Everyone Knows About Britain* Except The British: Michael Peel in conversation with Rafael BehrMore detailsJ Freeland linksAward-winning edition of Unholy podcast The latest edition of the Guardian's weekly US politics podcastJonathan Freeland and Israeli author Amos OzNew York Times columnist Thomas Friedman This is a Behr and Berman podcast production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.