We've Seen This Before: Historian Explains the Cause of High Anxiety in Society 0 6

According to him, the phrase that humanity is on the verge of great changes has been heard in various historical periods, but in the current situation, it is particularly relevant. Kikuts noted that certain figures in world politics — primarily U.S. President Donald Trump and, to a lesser extent, Russian President Vladimir Putin — are challenging the existing world order.

The historian emphasized that changes are constantly occurring: leaders, their ambitions, and political priorities are changing. However, today’s transformations are deeper and encompass not only political systems but society as a whole. Such processes, according to Kikuts, have been observed multiple times in history.

As an example, he cited the period after World War I when the old system of empires collapsed, and society became noticeably more democratic. Previous norms were re-evaluated, and the role of women in public and political life significantly increased — partly because during the war, they proved their ability to take on responsibility and actively participate in society.

Speaking about the present, Kikuts noted the influence of the social media era, new forms of communication, and community formation. In his opinion, this contributes to the return of a peculiar "theatrical politics," which pushes leaders toward sometimes irrational actions and a conscious testing of the limits of what is acceptable. As a result, many people feel insecurity and a threat to their own safety.

According to the historian, such feelings of anxiety and instability are characteristic signs of an era of deep social and political transformations.