Large group dynamics and the origins of human aggression

Large group dynamics and the origins of human aggression

Author: Charts & Leisure August 13, 2025 Duration: 43:22

This episode of Unravelling has Dr. Kevin Volkan, psychologist, psychoanalyst, professor, and author of Human Aggression, War, and Genocide joins Kurt to talk about large group psychology and continue the conversation about what drives so much of the great evils of world. Dr. Volkan shares insights on a vast array of associated topics, as they together work to approach and understand the darker side of human nature... and the potential power of psychological insight to give the hope in dark times.

Some resources:

Dr. Volkan, has authored and co-authored many books, including these with his father Vamik Volkan:

Human Aggression, War, and Genocide

Schizophrenia: Science, Psychoanalysis, and Culture

How the Mind Works: Concepts and Cases in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

Webpage for Dr. Volkan

Resource to find some of Dr. Volkan's books, free of charge:

https://www.freepsychotherapybooks.org/?ebook_author=volkan-kevin


There’s a thread that connects our inner lives to the culture we live in, and Unravelling pulls on it to see what emerges. This isn’t a lecture series, but a conversation guided by therapist Kurt White and journalist Mary Wilson, who bring their distinct perspectives to every discussion. They explore how mental health is woven into everything from our daily fitness routines and societal pressures to the art we consume and the relationships we keep. In each episode, you’ll hear from experts who study the mind alongside individuals sharing their personal, lived experiences, creating a dialogue that feels both intellectually rigorous and deeply human. The aim is to move beyond simple definitions, examining how anxiety, resilience, joy, and struggle shape our collective reality. Produced by Charts & Leisure, this podcast provides a space for nuance, challenging the idea that our psychological worlds exist in a vacuum. It’s for anyone who has ever felt the tension between their private thoughts and the public world, offering not easy answers but a more textured understanding. By listening, you become part of a broader exploration into how compassion, for ourselves and our society, can actually be built from a place of genuine curiosity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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