Mattias Desmet: The West's Descent Toward Totalitarianism

In this discussion with Prof. Glenn Diesen, Professor of Psychology Mattias Desmet explores the psychological and social mechanisms behind the emergence of a new type of totalitarianism in the West. He argues that this phenomenon is not driven by brute force but rather by a psychological 'mass formation' process. Desmet outlines how, in a state of isolation and loneliness, a segment of the population becomes fanatically attached to a specific narrative or ideology. This collective belief system creates a dynamic where dissent is suppressed and individuals are willing to sacrifice their autonomy and well-being, leading to an anti-democratic environment controlled by technocrats and bureaucrats. The conversation examines how this dynamic has manifested through events like the Russia-gate narrative, the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent geopolitical conflicts.