We examine xenophobia from the perspective of the unconscious of individuals, groups and nations, emphasizing the role of fantasy, and arguing that some leaders use xenophobic discourse to exploit fantasies arising from emotions such as anxiety, fear and anger. We discuss this in the context of the public sphere as conceptualized by Habermas. We illustrate this with reference to an analysis of the psychic life of ‘Brexit’, the UK decision to exit the European Union in 2016, arguing that Brexit was one expression of the unconscious life of a nation. We contribute to our understanding of xenophobia and the role of psychodynamic forces within the public sphere by highlighting the key role of the unconscious and its ability to be influenced by leaders. We conclude by reflecting on how we might work to counter xenophobia and its fantasies.

中文翻译：

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仇外心理，潜意识，公共领域和英国退欧

我们从个人，团体和国家的无意识的角度审视仇外心理，强调幻想的作用，并争辩说一些领导人利用仇外心理来利用由焦虑，恐惧和愤怒等情绪引起的幻想。我们在哈贝马斯（Habermas）概念化的公共领域中对此进行讨论。我们通过对英国脱欧的心理生活进行分析来说明这一点，英国脱欧是2016年退出欧盟的决定，认为英国脱欧是一个国家无意识生活的一种表达。通过强调潜意识的关键作用及其受领导者影响的能力，我们有助于理解仇外心理和心理动力在公共领域的作用。最后，我们总结了如何应对仇外心理及其幻想。