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  • Terror, Love and Brainwashing

  • Attachment in Cults and Totalitarian Systems
  • By: Alexandra Stein
  • Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
  • Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (3 ratings)

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Terror, Love and Brainwashing

By: Alexandra Stein
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
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Publisher's Summary

Written by a cult survivor and renowned expert on cults and totalitarianism, Terror, Love and Brainwashing draws on the author's 25 years of study and research to explain how almost anyone, given the right set of circumstances, can be radically manipulated to engage in otherwise incomprehensible and often dangerous acts.

Illustrated with compelling stories from a range of cults and totalitarian systems, from religious to political to commercial, the book defines and analyzes the common and identifiable traits that underlie almost all these groups. It focuses on how charismatic, authoritarian leaders control their followers' attachment relationships via manipulative social structures and ideologies so that, emotionally and cognitively isolated, they become unable to act in their own survival interests. Using the evolutionary theory of attachment to demonstrate the psychological impact of these environments, and incorporating the latest neuroscientific findings, Stein illustrates how the combined dynamic of terror and "love" works to break down people's ability to think and behave rationally.

This important book offers clarity and a unique perspective on the dynamics of these systems of control and concludes with guidance to foster greater awareness and prevention.

©2017 Alexandra Stein (P)2020 Tantor

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I can see why this book is highly recommended

I heard the author interviewed on two different podcasts about escaping and preventing the ongoing harm done by ‘high demand’ groups. Ie: organisations (small or large) that fill up all of your available time. These might be religious, political, new age, gamers/social, businesses or groups within those. Big tip: you won’t be able to tell straight away, because high control organisations or individuals reach you through everyday activities which are friendly and helpful.

The fact that the author herself was trapped in one of these high control organisations for 9 years meant that I greatly trusted the academic lens that she also brings to this work.

Real examples, sobering facts and practical suggested solutions.

I found this book so insightful that I have also bought a hard copy so I can look at the diagrams and refer back.

I recommend this to anyone who has themselves left a high control group, or was born into one, including families where control is exercised through fear, guilt, reward and punishment, control of financial resources, close monitoring of time and activities etc.

I also recommend this book for anyone who thinks ‘this could never happen to me or my children’. Also recommend it to anyone who works in public health, politics, activism, policing, security, family violence prevention/recovery and teaching. To be informed is certainly to be forearmed!

Reading this book has helped me feel more compassionate towards myself and others, and curious to keep learning more.

Absolute gem of a book. I reckon it would be great for adult book groups and high school classes in civics or health.

Thank you Alexandra for turning your experience into an important shared learning.

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