Episode 24 Mad or Bad? Political Violence & the Mind

23/09/2025 22 min Temporada 1 Episodio 24

Listen "Episode 24 Mad or Bad? Political Violence & the Mind "

Episode Synopsis

Keywordspolitical violence, assassinations, mental illness, ideology, historical context, motivations, public figures, psychological analysisSummaryIn this episode, the conversation delves into the complex motivations behind political violence and assassinations, exploring historical examples and the psychological factors at play. The discussion highlights the distinction between mental illness and ideological motivations, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of these events to prevent future occurrences.TakeawaysPolitical violence often prompts immediate attempts to justify or explain it.Assassinations can stem from a variety of motivations, including ideology and mental illness.Historical examples of assassinations reveal different psychological profiles of the perpetrators.Media coverage can contribute to the misconception that most violent acts are linked to mental illness.Understanding the motivations behind violence can aid in prevention efforts.Red flags for potential violence include changes in behaviour and social isolation.The distinction between 'mad' and 'bad' influences societal responses to violence.Not all individuals who commit violent acts are mentally ill; most are ideologically driven.Community safety responses differ based on whether the perpetrator is seen as mentally ill or antisocial.A comprehensive understanding of social conditions and personal backgrounds is essential in addressing political violence.Chapters00:00 Understanding Political Violence and Assassinations10:18 Historical Context of Assassinations17:28 Mental Illness vs. Ideology in ViolenceQuestionsIf you have a question you would like to hear discussed, please drop us an email at [email protected] ResourcesFeeling out of sorts? Here are some quality mental health resources:Lifeline 131114 or online here https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/E-Couch https://ecouch.com.au/Relationships Australia https://relationships.org.au/1800Respect 1800737732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800250015Headspace for 12-25 https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-improve-self-esteemKids Helpline for 5-25 https://kidshelpline.com.au/