"The Cognitive Strategies of Trump, Putin, and Orbán: Insights into Your Brain"

Research shows that dictators and autocrats, including Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Viktor Orbán, use dehumanizing metaphors in their speeches to instill and propagate hatred of others. These metaphors tap into existing circuits in the brain, bypassing higher cognitive reasoning centers and making people more susceptible to believing lies and conspiracy theories. The repetitive use of these metaphors strengthens neural pathways, making it difficult for individuals to rethink their beliefs. The rise of populist and far-right movements has further spread the use of dehumanizing metaphors worldwide. Critical thinking and brain training are crucial in combating this manipulation, but once people believe lies, they are unlikely to change their minds. Disruptive events can force a new perspective, but without them, individuals with strong convictions may never change their beliefs, benefiting autocrats and endangering society.