gems, history, ideology

Modern Ideologies is Dr. Roy's sixth lecture for the Museum of the Future's Lessons from the Past (2025). This collaboration between the Museum of the Future and Dr. Roy aims to explore 10 topics ranging from the life of the father of modern medicine to examples of great leadership to the birth of the Most Serene Republic of Venice. In this lecture, Dr. Roy Casagranda explores the rise and impact of modern ideologies on human history and politics. From nationalism and socialism to liberalism, communism, fascism, and fundamentalism, Dr. Roy explains how these belief systems emerged, evolved, and shaped societies across centuries. Along the way, he examines the psychology of human decision-making, why emotions and fear drive politics, and how ideologies can both unite and divide. With historical examples from the French Revolution, Napoleon, World War I, and the Cold War, this talk sheds light on the dangers of extreme partisanship and the urgent need for humility, grace, and common ground in today’s political discourse.