What drives people to extremism? With Arie Kruglanski, PhD, and Sophia Moskalenko, PhD

This episode explores the psychology of extremism, moving beyond the typical association with violence and terrorism to encompass a broader range of behaviors. Against this backdrop, Dr. Arie Kruglanski and Dr. Sophia Moskalenko define extremism as a state of motivational imbalance, where a dominant need overshadows others, removing constraints on behavior. More significantly, they argue that this potential for extremism is inherent in human nature, a survival mechanism amplified by modern narratives and social media's attention economy. For instance, the episode contrasts the lives of Gandhi and Osama Bin Laden, highlighting their shared single-mindedness and biographical similarities despite vastly different outcomes. The discussion then pivots to the relationship between extremism and mental illness, emphasizing that while not synonymous, the obsessive focus in both can appear similar. Finally, the psychologists offer advice for identifying and addressing extremist tendencies in oneself or others, stressing the importance of maintaining social connections and understanding the underlying feelings of crisis.