# Top-Expert REVEALS: EU in Grip of Deadly Mass-Formation | Prof. Mattias Desmet

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/neutrality-studies-7179578/top-expert-reveals-eu-in-grip-of-deadly-mass-formation-prof-mattias-desmet
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/neutrality-studies-7179578/top-expert-reveals-eu-in-grip-of-deadly-mass-formation-prof-mattias-desmet.md
Podcast: [Neutrality Studies](https://stenobird.com/podcast/neutrality-studies-7179578)
Published: 2026-05-04T13:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/neutrality-studies/episodes/Top-Expert-REVEALS-EU-in-Grip-of-Deadly-Mass-Formation--Prof--Mattias-Desmet-e3iqrdh
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/fe578920/podcast/play/119417713/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-4-3%2Fb7e70a5b-5256-166c-8eb1-8e3778c7e820.m4a
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Duration seconds: 3984

## Resource

Pascal Lottaz speaks with Dr. Mattias Desmet, professor of clinical psychology in Belgium and author of The Psychology of Totalitarianism, about mass formation, totalitarianism, propaganda, loneliness, free speech, war narratives, and the emotional pull of group belief. The discussion covers the difference between dictatorships and totalitarian states, the role of education and media, and sincerity as a way to resist mass hypnosis. Links: Mattias Desmet Substack: https://words.mattiasdesmet.org/ The Psychology of Totalitarianism: https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/the-psychology-of-totalitarianism/ Neutrality Studies substack: https://pascallottaz.substack.com (Opt in for Academic Section from your profile settings: https://pascallottaz.substack.com/s/academic) Merch: https://neutralitystudies-shop.fourthwall.com Donation: https://neutralitystudies.com/donate Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:50 Mass formation and totalitarianism 00:10:02 Totalitarianism vs dictatorship 00:18:18 War narratives and media power 00:20:30 Education propaganda and democracy 00:32:18 Mechanics of mass formation 00:43:40 Breaking the spell with sincerity 00:50:40 Truth reality and the observer 00:57:42 Final thoughts and where to follow

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