From Stalin to Today: How the Left Uses "Mind Control" Tactics | Buck Sexton

In this episode of the Brian Kilmeade Show, Buck Sexton discusses his new book, 'Manufacturing Delusion,' which explores how ideological manipulation, propaganda, and psychological conditioning—historically rooted in totalitarian regimes like the Soviet Union and modern authoritarian states—have evolved into pervasive tactics used in contemporary American culture. Sexton draws on his CIA background to argue that radicalization processes, similar to those seen in jihadist movements or cults, are now being replicated in left-wing activism, media, and even corporate America through techniques like forced confessions, public shaming, and the exploitation of fear. He warns that these methods are not just isolated incidents but part of a coordinated effort to erode shared reality, national unity, and truth, with foreign actors and domestic influencers both contributing to a growing 'mass delusion.' The conversation also touches on the role of digital technology, social media, and AI in amplifying outrage and misinformation, creating a 24/7 conditioning loop that affects both youth and adults. Sexton emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and critical thinking to resist these manipulative systems, especially as they threaten democratic discourse and societal cohesion. The episode underscores a deep concern about the erosion of objective truth and the normalization of absurd claims—whether about gender identity, climate change, or geopolitical events like October 7th—through coordinated messaging. Sexton argues that both the left and right are vulnerable to manufactured delusions, though he identifies the left as having a more institutionalized approach. He calls for vigilance, historical understanding, and media literacy to combat the psychological warfare being waged on American society. The discussion ends on a note of urgency: unless people recognize the tactics being used to manipulate them, the country risks losing its collective sense of reality and shared values.