FO Talks: The Psychology of Geopolitics — How Authoritarianism Impacts Human Behavior

August 19, 2026 - 19:21

In a recent episode of FO Talks, hosts Lucy Golish and Bahareh Sahebi take a deep look at the intersection of political structures and human psychology. The conversation centers on a question that is both timely and uncomfortable: how do authoritarian systems alter the way people think, feel, and relate to one another?

The discussion moves beyond simple descriptions of political repression. Instead, it digs into the subtle, often invisible ways that living under a rigid hierarchy affects individual behavior. The hosts examine how fear and uncertainty can reshape decision-making, pushing people toward conformity and away from independent thought. They also touch on the psychological toll of constant surveillance, where self-censorship becomes second nature and trust erodes between neighbors and even family members.

What stands out in the dialogue is the focus on normalization. Over time, people adapt to their environment, and what once seemed extreme can begin to feel ordinary. This adaptation is not a sign of weakness but a survival mechanism. The hosts discuss how this process impacts everything from workplace dynamics to personal relationships, creating a society where obedience is valued over creativity and where questioning authority feels like a personal risk.

The episode also considers the role of collective memory and how regimes often rewrite history to control the present. By shaping what people remember, they influence how people imagine the future. This psychological dimension, the hosts argue, is just as important as political or economic factors in understanding why authoritarian systems persist.

The conversation is not purely academic. It raises practical questions about resilience and the capacity for critical thinking under pressure. How do individuals maintain a sense of agency when the system is designed to strip it away? What are the small acts of resistance that keep a society's psychological health intact? These are the threads that Golish and Sahebi pull on, offering a thoughtful and sobering look at the human cost of political control.