For over 30 years as a psychotherapist, I’ve been asked to explain the deep psychological divides in our political landscape. It’s especially perplexing when actions—like threatening an ally such as Denmark—undermine international stability and established norms. Some wonder if this reflects “folie à plusieurs,” a shared delusion. While not a clinical diagnosis, it’s hard to understand through logic alone.
A key reason is a psychological response rooted in fear—fear of loss, displacement, and uncertainty. This combines with limited exposure to diverse viewpoints and reliable data. When fear takes over, nuance disappears. This creates echo chambers that amplify threats and block out opposing evidence.Worryingly, this climate of dread isn’t limited to one group; it mirrors itself across the political spectrum. Many people, regardless of their beliefs, feel powerless, overwhelmed, and chronically anxious. These feelings don’t solve fear; they intensify it.
If fear is driving this, we must learn to manage it. But how? How long can we ignore what’s happening? We can’t passively watch this unfold. Prolonged exposure to fear-based messaging shrinks our ability to think flexibly. People start to prioritize confirming their existing beliefs over considering new information.
