Politics · 7 January 2026
Mimetic Theory Explained ?
Mimetic theory, developed by René Girard, argues people imitate desires, creating rivalry and social tension that often ends in scapegoating. In the UK, economic strain, migration debates and political polarisation have intensified this dynamic. Public anger is increasingly directed at visible groups, from migrants to institutions, simplifying complex problems into moral blame. Leaders and media can amplify or calm this process. Understanding mimetic theory helps explain why periods of uncertainty in Britain repeatedly produce cycles of imitation, rivalry and social division.
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