Addictive Ideologies
By Hon. Paul Johnson &Â Dr. Emily Bashah
While the news media, politicians, both political parties and conspiracy theory groups are destabilizing America, we often lose sight of how we unwittingly contribute to the hysteria as individuals. In the process, we lose our ability to find optimism, opportunities and meaning. Fortunately, it is still possible to learn from history and to regain one’s agency, self-empowerment and life purpose.
In Addictive Ideologies, Dr. Emily Bashah, a clinical psychologist, and Paul Johnson, entrepreneur and former mayor of Phoenix, Arizona, offer a word of caution. Their belief—that today’s world of runaway identity politics, nationalism and cancel culture is setting the stage for a loss of individual agency and liberty—keenly shows why we can’t take democracy and civility for granted.
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Dr. Bashah tells the harrowing story of the persecution of Jews in Iraq by Saddam Hussein and the Ba’ath Party through her family’s own personal experiences. Building on Dr. Bashah’s powerful historical context, Paul Johnson uses his own mayoral experiences to chart a path for the future that can avoid similar atrocities. This book draws upon an understanding of societal divisions and clinical and social psychology to show the real power we have to promote constructive change.
By merging insights from two widely disparate worldviews, Dr. Bashah and Paul Johnson show that genocide isn’t the result of just a few bad men, and tyranny isn’t only caused by one charismatic leader. Both require hundreds of thousands of people to ignore reality, and it’s our responsibility as Americans to stay vigilant so that we can protect our families and loved ones against the myriad dangers of addictive ideology.
Authors Bio
Dr. Emily Bashah is an author and licensed psychologist with a private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. An expert witness in criminal, immigration and civil courts, she has worked on high-profile cases covering issues of domestic terrorism and capital offenses, and as well as first-degree murder.
Dr. Bashah was awarded the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues Policy Fellowship and served within the American Psychological Association’s Public Interest Government Relations Office in Washington, D.C. A frequent expert guest in media, Dr. Bashah clinically specializes in mental illness, personal and collective trauma, addiction and grief and loss, as well as family and relationship dynamics.Â
Paul E. Johnson Jr. is the host of The Optimistic American podcast, whose goal is to create space in the news media for a positive and hopeful view of America. He has a significant background in business, politics, and government, and became the youngest mayor of Phoenix, Arizona at 30 years old. He has managed several state campaigns for presidential candidates and is the CEO and co-founder of Redirect Health.Â
Emily and Paul’s collaboration in life and work marry their combined skills and backgrounds in clinical and forensic psychology, politics, and geopolitical issues. They address the problems of addictive ideologies to the self and to society while offering insight and wisdom for healing, growth, and transformation. They believe collaborating towards a worthy purpose is essential to unleashing the power of the human spirit.
ISBNs:
- 978-1956955484 (Hardcover)
- 978-1956955477 (Paperback)Â
- 978-1956955491 (eBook)
Genre:
- Nonfiction
- Psychology
- Politics
- Social Issues
- Current Affairs
- InspirationÂ
Themes:
- Radicalization (how vulnerable individuals get drawn into destructive movements)
- Psychological Triggers (the mental patterns that fuel extremist thinking)
- Cultural Forces (the role of society, technology and media in shaping ideologies)
- Prevention (strategies to protect individuals and communities from extremism)
- Healing (pathways for recovery and reintegration after ideological capture)
- Awareness (recognizing the signs of manipulative belief systems)
FAQs:Â Â Â Â Â Â
Q: What is Addictive Ideologies about?
A: Addictive Ideologies examines how destructive belief systems—much like addictive substances—can take hold of individuals and societies, and what can be done to recognize, prevent and recover from them.
Q: Who are the authors of this book?
A: Paul Johnson is a former mayor and public servant, and Dr. Emily Bashah is a forensic psychologist. Together, they bring political and psychological expertise to analyze the roots and dangers of ideological extremism.
Q: What makes this book different from other works on extremism?
A: Unlike purely political or academic treatments, Addictive Ideologies combines psychological insight with real-world stories and practical solutions, making the topic accessible and actionable.
Q: Who would enjoy reading Addictive Ideologies?
A: Readers interested in psychology, politics, social issues and those seeking to understand and counter the spread of extremism will find it especially valuable.
