Dr. Coline Covington, a longtime member of the International Dialogue Initiative, is scheduled to speak as part of a psychoanalytic discussion of populism on October 24, 2017 in New York City. The New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, which is hosting the event, describes it as follows:
The presenters will discuss the political dynamics of populism from a psychoanalytic perspective. They will stress the group’s sense of vulnerability and fear and the powerful role the populist leader plays for the group within this psychological state. A charismatic leader is chosen who promises to make the group powerful, perverting the truth by promoting “alt-facts” which fit into the fantasy life of the leader and group. Two approaches are discussed: (1) understanding how vulnerable groups attempt to deal with traumatic experiences by utilizing maladaptive defense mechanisms, such as denial and projection, in order to protect themselves from unbearable negative emotions and (2) understanding that when a large group’s survival and identity are under threat, individual mindfulness is dissolved in the service of defending against the experience of loss and trying to restore a sense of potency within the group. Please note: the presenters will allow ample time for discussion with each other and the audience. All perspectives are most welcome.
Readers interested in attending may register here.
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