Innocents, psychopaths and the imagination.

Abstract

This article reflects on the manipulative practices of autocratic populist leaders in North and South America and looks at their speeches, which appeal to followers who desire love and protection, or who seek an outlet for aggressive impulses. Jung's considerations regarding the annihilation of the other, evil and the unconsciousness of the masses - manipulated for purposes of subjugation - are important for understanding the risks that threaten society. The behaviour of unscrupulous leaders seized by power complexes, reinforced by psychopathic traits in clinic and culture, creates an increasing number of victims. A lack of imagination for evil is behind the absence of malice as a defence and the idealization which opens doors to the violence of totalitarian leaders and of dominant figures in social and family relationships. The polarities evil-innocence and dominator-dominated are severely dissociated in contemporary society, endorsing Jung's vision as a warning against destructiveness.