conversation and debate at the Kulturhuset in Oslo
Propaganda in the
Shadow of Totalitarianism
- Search for Truth -
A fascinating and important discussion in Oslo
held on 21st May 2025
held on 21st May 2025
“
In a time of loneliness, pervasive anxiety, and lack of meaning, I ask: why do we give up our
freedom and accept censorship and invasion of privacy? Why do we accept the dominant crisis narrative that we are fed by the mainstream media and the state?
freedom and accept censorship and invasion of privacy? Why do we accept the dominant crisis narrative that we are fed by the mainstream media and the state?
The Conference
Part 1 - The Speakers
First Session
4 videos
1
Introduction
- Terrence Baine
- Terrence Baine
7:20
2
Mattias Desmet
24:52
3
Aaron Maté
32:00
4
Yves Engler
21:11
Introduction
- Terrence Baine
- Terrence Baine
Terrence Baine - Teacher and Journalist
The Conference
Part 2 - The Panel
Event Speakers
Mattias Desmet
is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Ghent University (Belgium). He holds a PhD in psychology and a master’s degree in statistics. In addition to his academic work, he practices as a psychotherapist.
Desmet has published over 100 peer-reviewed academic papers and is the author of the international bestseller The Psychology of Totalitarianism. This book is among the most translated works in the history of Flemish literature, with over 20 translations to date.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, he has become widely recognised as the world’s leading expert on the theory of mass formation. His work has been extensively covered in the media, including on The Joe Rogan Experience, in Forbes, The New York Post and Salon.com, and on Tucker Carlson Today, among hundreds of other outlets. His interviews have reached millions of viewers worldwide.
Desmet has published over 100 peer-reviewed academic papers and is the author of the international bestseller The Psychology of Totalitarianism. This book is among the most translated works in the history of Flemish literature, with over 20 translations to date.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, he has become widely recognised as the world’s leading expert on the theory of mass formation. His work has been extensively covered in the media, including on The Joe Rogan Experience, in Forbes, The New York Post and Salon.com, and on Tucker Carlson Today, among hundreds of other outlets. His interviews have reached millions of viewers worldwide.
Aaron Maté
is a writer and journalist. He is co-host, together with Max Blumenthal, of The Grayzone, and with Katie Halper on the Useful Idiots podcast. He has also been a frequent guest-host on The Jimmy Dore Show. Maté's groundbreaking investigative work into the Russiagate scandal, where he debunked the allegations of Russian meddling and Trump-Russia collusion, earned him the prestigious Izzy Award in 2019. (The Izzy award is given annually by the Park Center For Independent Media at Ithaca College, New York for special achievement in independent media, and is named for the legendary American investigative journalist. I. F. Stone). His soon to be released book on the Ukraine war has already been earning praise, including from Noam Chomsky who has called it "A highly instructive inquiry into our current malaise”.
Yves Engler
is a Montréal-based author and activist. The Canadian press has called him “one of
the most important voices on the Canadian Left” and “Canada’s version of Noam Chomsky”. He is part of that rare but growing group of social critics unafraid to confront Canada’s self-satisfied myths.
He has published thirteen books, including The Black Book of Canadian Foreign Policy; Stand on Guard For Whom? A People’s History of the Canadian Military; and his latest, Canada’s Long Fight Against Democracy (with Owen Schalk).
According to Yves: To struggle against economic and political systems that make a few people wealthy; to end war and forms of destruction and oppression — this requires commitment, passion and the willingness to make the powerful angry. It means confronting power.
the most important voices on the Canadian Left” and “Canada’s version of Noam Chomsky”. He is part of that rare but growing group of social critics unafraid to confront Canada’s self-satisfied myths.
He has published thirteen books, including The Black Book of Canadian Foreign Policy; Stand on Guard For Whom? A People’s History of the Canadian Military; and his latest, Canada’s Long Fight Against Democracy (with Owen Schalk).
According to Yves: To struggle against economic and political systems that make a few people wealthy; to end war and forms of destruction and oppression — this requires commitment, passion and the willingness to make the powerful angry. It means confronting power.
Commentators
For commentary, we have invited Professor Glenn Diesen of the University of South-Eastern Norway, professor of Russian foreign and Eurasian politics; and Arne Ruth, writer and public debater, former editor-in-chief of Dagens Nyheter and a Nordic advocate of free-speech.
Event sponsored by the Norwegian Fritt Ord Foundation
- Event organised by Terrence Baine, John Y. Jones & Thale Brenna
- Event endorsed by Lay Down Your Arms
