fascinating insight.

This is a fascinating yet also tricky audio drama to review. There are just so many potential landmines that could be stepped on here. To begin, I feel this audio drama was fascinating in one respect. The study of what turns someone to extremist thinking and paths is one many will find greatly interesting. Especially when you look at how it begins early for many young people. I have no doubt that many will find this account interesting to say the least. However, there is a strong narrative play which almost detracts from the idea that anyone is capable of becoming these people, and instead pushes more a narrative about how it only happens to very select people. in addition to this (and I tread carefully with this next sentence), there is a very strong left/liberal slant to how this is presented. Now, obviously this documentary is based on mostly neo-nazism which is far right and absolutely horrible. However,I do think this plays a little too much on the "oh my gosh, look at these monsters" dynamic, once again almost playing down the idea that we're all capable and more likely contributing to people like this existing and how we develop. it's all purely on the individual themselves, society has no blame on this. Unfortunately, by saying this, I make myself sound as though I am on the right and trying to defend these people. I'm not. However, I would amiss as a balanced and fair reviewer if I didn't mention these points. Alas, I do recommend this, because insights like these are always worth learning from. The more we educate ourselves on these issues, the better prepared we are to stop them.

10 people found this helpful

US Anti intellectualism

In 2014, the Obama Administration financed, armed and encouraged the illegal seizure of power in West Ukraine by the Neo-Nazi Maidan Junta, No one in this documentary mentions the US foreign policy which encourages anti-Russian neo-Nazi movements throughout Eastern Europe or the fact that young Americans are being damaged at home because of this policy. The Asov Battalion is a neo-Nazi unit in the West Ukraine Army funded by the US. A recent academic article states that since 1945 the US military has killed between 20-30 million people around the world. Furthermore, the UN has continuously accused Israel of War Crimes and the US continuously prevents any action being taken!

5 people found this helpful

Interesting listen

Very interesting. I hadn't heard of this case before this and the podcast took us, in detail, on the path of the people involved.
I thought it was a well balanced view of the story and was a good listen.

3 people found this helpful

Lost lives

This really opens your eyes to how vulnerable the young are to such hate. Brainwashing.

2 people found this helpful

Vital journalism, terrific presentation.

A balanced, compassionate and humane insight into the darkest of worlds. Inspirational in the best sense, encouraging listeners to think deeper and learn more to understand these problems better.

2 people found this helpful

Washy

Just wayward in narrative and execution. There are lots of extremist groups mentioned and the tethering of mental health/disorders.

just a flaccid 55 for me

2 people found this helpful

Fascinating

this is a really well researched and informative insight into the development of extremist thinking. Well worth a listen, an excellent series.

1 person found this helpful

Informative

This really opens your eyes to how vulnerable to brainwashing young people are. People need to be aware of both extremist ideologies.

Shocking, insightful & informative

It was fascinating to hear about the perfect storm of how mental illness (not a cause) could make individuals vulnerable to those with extreme views taking advantage of those individuals. As a society we need to do better we need to look out for signs and help safeguard those who are at risk.

Interesting

I found this story tragic, shocking and highly interesting it was well written, presented and narrated I listened to this in one go i was gripped from start to finish.