Review of "Psychopathologie du totalitarisme" (Psychopathology of totalitarianism)

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In our Réflexions libres section, the authors' opinions are their own and do not reflect the views of L'Éclaireur, beyond our choice — which we deem necessary —to give them a voice in the interest of pluralism and a better understanding of the world.

By Mathilde Jaffre (France), Novembre 23, 2025.

[ Readings & Reflections ] Are we drifting toward totalitarianism?

TRIBUNE - In Psychopathologie du Totalitarisme, Ariane Bilheran provides an in-depth analysis of the totalitarian system. More relevant than ever in these times of war rhetoric.

Two years after its publication, Ariane Bilheran's essay Psychopathologie du Totalitarisme: sommes-nous dans une dérive totalitaire (Psychopathology of totalitarianism: are we in totalitarian drift?) is more relevant than ever. In 2023, the philosopher and clinical psychologist analyzed the drivers of the Covid crisis management. She showed how, through the widespread use of fear as a political tool, segregation (vaccinated/unvaccinated), censorship, and denunciation, the Covid crisis was a perfect example of a "paranoiac totalitarian drift."

We discussed this with you in 2021.

It is now 2025, and although the Covid chapter may be over, fear is still present. It permeates many discourses and policies. How else can we interpret General Mandon's latest speech at the general assembly of the Association of Mayors of France in front of an audience of elected officials? The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces brandished the threat of war and the threat of compulsory conscription of French citizens in a speech that was more political than military in tone, overshadowed by the presence of Emmanuel Macron, for whom he was Chief of Staff and principal military advisor.

Ariane Bilheran's book fits perfectly into this context: it provides an ideal framework for understanding the current war rhetoric. Mathilde Jaffre, author of the reflective blog, Hors-champ, on Substack, invites us to read it, or reread it.

"As we live in troubled times where alienation is intensifying, this book seems to me to be of public utility."

As we live through troubled times in which alienation is intensifying, this book strikes me as being of public utility. Its rigorous analysis remains easily accessible. As the year draws to a close, it would be a bulwark against the futile and mind-numbing under many Christmas trees.

"Psychopathology is that axis of psychology which studies psychic processes, in other words, it seeks to understand what happens in the mind of an individual or a group when it harbors a delusion, or falls into depression, and what is the nature of psychic conflicts."

Totalitarianism "arises only because it finds an echo in the psyche of individuals."

Psychopathology of Totalitarianism is the study of a complex system. Hannah Arendt defines totalitarianism as "the ambition of total domination. By patiently dissecting it, the author leads us to encounter a demonic power, a monstrous body gradually coming to life, like Frankenstein in the hands of its creator; a body whose heads are tirelessly reborn from their ashes and multiply.

The totalitarian Hydra feeds on the terror of its victims, who in turn fuel its delusion and paranoia: "diffuse terror fans the totalitarian flames". This demonic body freezes and isolates individuals — traumatized, guilt-ridden, stunned — who come to recognize themselves in a formless mass subjected to his tormentor and to irrational beliefs, namely his mental alienation.  

"The chief characteristic of the mass man is not brutality and backwardness, but his isolation and lack of normal social relationships."

Hannah Arendt

The colonization of minds is organized through repression; repression of everything that allows "states of soul" to express themselves and differentiate us from one another. Thus, the arts and literature are enemies to be eradicated; just as history, through which the spirit manifests itself, must be revisited to fit the ideological narrative of power.

This ignominious process, once deciphered, summons the basest instincts and invokes darkness; some will prefer to flee this demonic nature and turn away from this book. Yet Ariane Bilheran never ceases to let light emerge from this deep darkness by exposing the complexity and beauty of human beings. The Hydra is only able to compete with the children of God for a time and inevitably collapses. When the masses emerge from their paranoiac delusion, Human regains his rightful place. Human rediscovers his spontaneity and self-confidence.

The witnesses of these infamous times have a crucial role to play; by recounting their experiences and emotional states, by validating a crazy reality, by redefining the notions of good and evil in a society stripped of all moral values, they offer us the opportunity to reconnect with our humanity.

The author compares these witnesses to fireflies. What bliss! Hannah Arendt, Simone Weil, Kant, and Solzhenitsyn were among these "free, enlightened minds who, through their aspirations and inspiration, bring light to those around them".

Ariane Bilheran inspires us with her profound, sometimes complex philosophical reflections. She dissects words whose resonance enchants the mind: intimacy, dignity, charity. All three are revealed in their essence; they define us not as citizens of a social body, but as souls born of divine power.

This book is for all those who are eager to understand the workings of the world and for all those who are prey to anxiety or fear in the face of this machine that is inexorably unfolding before our eyes. It gives us the weapons to prevent ourselves from being taken over and to keep us from falling into fear, the source of the worst destructive follies. By reclaiming our inner lives, we can build solid ramparts that enable us to resist this fury.

Ariane Bilheran emphasizes:

"This text can be read as an invitation to become fireflies once again."

Get yourself this book in paper form, and it will serve as a refuge in times of abuse!