The Rise of Authoritarianism and the Mind: A Psychoanalytic Reflection
Introduction
The global surge of authoritarianism in recent decades—marked by centralized power, suppression of dissent, nationalist rhetoric, and erosion of democratic norms—invites deep psychoanalytic inquiry. Authoritarianism is not merely a political phenomenon; it taps into psychic structures, collective anxieties, and unconscious processes within individuals and societies.
How does the authoritarian mind form? What unconscious fears, desires, and defenses fuel submission to—or resistance against—authoritarian rule? Understanding these questions illuminates the psychological underpinnings of authoritarianism and points toward possibilities for healing and democratic resilience.
Authoritarianism as a Psychic Structure
Authoritarianism often manifests through the projection of internal conflicts onto an external “enemy” or scapegoat. Drawing on Fromm (1941) and Adorno et al. (1950), the authoritarian personality is characterized by:
A deep need for order and certainty in response to existential anxieties and inner chaos.
Identification with a powerful leader as a means of containing feelings of vulnerability and powerlessness.
Rigid thinking and intolerance of ambiguity, linked to early developmental fixations on control and obedience.
The authoritarian leader functions psychically as a father figure—omnipotent, punitive, and protective—who offers psychic security but demands submission.
The Role of Fear, Aggression, and Regression
Authoritarianism flourishes in contexts of social or economic crisis, where fear of loss, uncertainty, and insecurity trigger regressive defenses. These may include:
Splitting: The world is divided into “good” (the leader, the in-group) and “bad” (outsiders, dissenters), fostering paranoia and scapegoating.
Projection: Unacceptable internal aggressive impulses are projected onto external groups, who become objects of hatred.
Identification with the Aggressor: To survive anxiety, individuals may unconsciously adopt the aggressor’s traits, perpetuating cycles of domination.
This dynamic explains how entire populations may embrace authoritarianism to manage intolerable internal anxieties.
Collective Trauma and the Authoritarian Mind
Many authoritarian regimes rise in the aftermath of collective trauma—war, economic collapse, social upheaval. Trauma disrupts the capacity for symbolic thinking, increasing reliance on primitive defense mechanisms and authoritarian solutions promising order.
The work of psychoanalyst Volkan (1997) on large-group psychology shows how trauma becomes embedded in collective identity, fueling victimhood narratives and hostile nationalism—fertile ground for authoritarian mobilization.
The Silencing of the Feminine and Democratic Decay
Authoritarianism also correlates with the repression of the “feminine” principle—understood psychoanalytically as receptivity, empathy, and tolerance for ambiguity. Patriarchal authoritarian systems often denigrate these qualities, favoring aggressive, hierarchical, and binary modes of relating.
Jessica Benjamin (2020) links the tragedy of masculinity to authoritarianism: men, feeling threatened by dependence and vulnerability, may enact domination as a defense against perceived loss of control.
The silencing of diverse voices—especially women, minorities, and dissenters—further erodes democratic spaces where dialogue and difference can flourish.
Resistance, Repair, and the Analytic Space
Psychoanalysis offers a model of resistance to authoritarianism through:
Creating spaces for reflection and dialogue that contain anxiety without resorting to violence or scapegoating.
Promoting recognition and mutuality, breaking cycles of projection and splitting.
Supporting the development of a tolerant and integrated self, capable of holding contradictions and uncertainties.
In this way, the analytic relationship models democratic principles on the psychic level, fostering emotional resilience and ethical engagement.
Conclusion: Toward a Politics of the Mind
The rise of authoritarianism reflects deep psychic currents—fear, aggression, fragmentation—that find political expression. Understanding the unconscious dynamics of authoritarianism is vital for both mental health practitioners and society at large.
By addressing these internal conflicts and fostering capacities for empathy, reflection, and dialogue, there is hope for countering authoritarianism’s grip and nurturing a more compassionate, democratic future.
References
Fromm, E. (1941). Escape from Freedom.
Adorno, T.W., Frenkel-Brunswik, E., Levinson, D.J., & Sanford, R.N. (1950). The Authoritarian Personality.
Volkan, V. (1997). Bloodlines: From Ethnic Pride to Ethnic Terrorism.
Benjamin, J. (2020). The Tragedy of Masculinity: Fathers, Sons and the Search for Identity.
