Enough is Enough: The Psychology Behind Authoritarian Populist Discourse

In recent years, political scientists, psychologists, and commentators have grown increasingly interested in the psychological theories that explain political and social attitudes. Moral Foundations Theory is a model that can help us to understand the current moment and build empathy for those who have a different worldview - wherever you stand. The theory also illuminates the processes underpinning othering and how those dispositions can be activated by authoritarian populists – or in this case, mainstream politicians adopting their frames.