My Basket 0 item - £0.00

Resurgence of Global Populism: A Psychoanalytic Study of Projective Identification, Blame-Shifting and the Corruption of Democracy

Author(s) : Karyne E. Messina

Reviews and Endorsements

"Karyne Messina has her psychoanalytic hand on the pulse of growing authoritarianism throughout the world. This book takes us on a guided world tour of corrosive trends from the United States to South America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania to analyze the causes and effects of populist and authoritarian governments. What sets this book apart is her sure-handed use of a psychoanalytic lens to examine the developmental causes of threats to democracy and good governance, the invasive effects of social media, and the erosion of good governance worldwide. Students of international relations and all who care about the health of our planet will benefit from sharing her examination." - David Scharff, MD; Winner of the 2021 Sigourney Award in Psychoanalysis; Co-Founder, The International Psychotherapy Institute.

"This important book cogently applies psychoanalytic thinking to a host of serious dangers that threaten democracy and even our very survival in the United States and in the rest of the globe. Starting with Donald Trump’s unscrupulous rise to power and deeply damaging presidency, Messina studies the regressive dynamics of his supporters. She then broadens her discussion to include 15 additional countries being weakened by authoritarian leaders. Messina is a role model for psychoanalysts who want to apply their understanding of individual and group dynamics beyond the consulting room." - Richard M. Waugaman, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Georgetown University School of Medicine, USA.

"In the fascinating Resurgence of Global Populism, Messina helps us understand the workings of the Populist-Authoritarian powermongers and how they con us and end up destroying everything in their path. This book is important and should be required reading in schools as a safeguard of true democracy." - Robert M. Gordon, Ph.D. ABPP, Forensic Psychologist.

"Karyne E. Messina takes us on a global tour to explore how the fragile state of democracy has enabled the rise of authoritarian populist leaders - from Trump to Modi to Bolsonaro - who see themselves as heroes amidst a world of villains. Messina describes how the vitriolic blame game that these leaders employ is leading to immense human suffering and environmental damage. This important book stands as a stark warning that the mental health of elected leaders is a vital issue that impacts us all." - Ian Hughes, author,