Ideological Possession and the Rise of the New Right: The Political Thought of Carl Jung

Description

Political theorist Laurie M. Johnson deals with Jung’s analysis of the effects of modern scientific rationalism on the development of communism, fascism and Nazism in the 20th century and applies this analysis to the rise of the New Right in the 21st century. Jung’s thought provides much needed insight into contemporary ideologies such as neoliberalism, Identitarianism and the Alt-Right. Johnson explains Jungian analytical psychology as it relates to these topics, with a chapter devoted to Jung’s views of Friedrich Nietzsche, who exemplifies the modern problem with his proclamation that God is dead, and an in-depth discussion of Jung’s views on truth and the psychological function of religion as a safeguard against deadly mass movements. She then turns to Jung’s treatment of anti-Semitism and the Nazi movement, and his views on race and racism. Johnson applies these historical insights to the current manifestations of mass psychological disruption in the clash between neoliberals and the right-wing populist and Identitarian movements on the rise in North America and Europe. She concludes by discussing the search for an authentic and meaningful life in a West that rejects extremism and is open to authentic spiritual experiences as a counterbalance to mass mindedness. Ideological Possession and the Rise of the New Right will appeal to both undergraduate and graduate students of psychology and intellectual history. The book will also be of interest to those wishing to understand the new nationalist, nativist and Identarian movements. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Preface 1 Jung’s Political Thought: An Introduction The Collective Unconscious Important Archetypes The Archetypes in Modernity Jung on Religion Conclusion Notes 2 Lessons from Nietzsche Introduction Nietzsche the Man: A Microcosm of the Modern Psyche Nietzsche’s Psyche and Zarathustra The Rope Dancer Nietzsche’s Prophecy Conclusion Notes 3 Jung’s Psycho-Theological History The Psyche in History Seeking Equilibrium Modernity and the State Conclusions for Democracies Notes 4 Jung and the Nazi Movement Jung’s Theory and Charges of Anti-Semitism Jung’s Relationship with Freud Jung’s Treatment of Racial and Cultural Differences Jung’s Professional Activity During the Rise of Nazism Jung’s Theory and Practice Conclusion Notes 5 Jung and Race The Charge of a Racial Hierarchy African-Americans A Second Look at Jungian Theory Conclusion Notes 6 Signs of Mass Psychosis The Precedent The Triumph of Technique Inverted Totalitarianism Neoliberalism Notes 7 The Rise of the New Right Identity Politics Alain de Benoist Aleksandr Dugin Post-Modern Spiritual Pluralism Conclusion Notes 8 Conclusion The Failure of Christians Finding Authentic Faith Advice to the Church Notes Works Cited Index