The Psychology of Authoritarian Leaders

The book examines the issue of authoritarian leadership through an evidence-based methodology. The original research addresses: (a) social risk factors the leader exploits to take power, (b) describe how these leaders influenced their followers, (c) the accomplishments of their regimes, and (d) how the society adjusted after the leader's demise.. in separate chapters, the subtypes of authoritarian leaders are detailed (AL) - the charismatic, the thug, and the populist. In addition, clinical profiles are provided describing leaders' relationships with families, friends, and followers. The book will examine how the subject assumed power, how they governed, and how they ceded power. The analysis highlights typical achievements and failures of authoritarian regimes. The final chapter describes the social consequences of authoritarian governance and discusses how liberal democracies need to protect their institutions from authoritarian take over. This work includes analyses and, statistical methods which are presented in a manner, making the book accessible to a wide readership. Scholars in psychology, sociology, political science and cultural studies will find this volume a revealing and necessary addition to their libraries.

This contribution of Dr. Edward Dunbar comes at the right moment as authoritarian leaders are once again taking control of the political lives of several countries around the world. Dunbar describes how these leaders use violence to gain and hold power through creating a climate of mistrust, fear and social polarization. This book also examines how living under an authoritarian regime paves the way to a collective trauma.

- Amalio Blanco, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

As a series editor of "The New Authoritarians" Ed Dunbar is taking the psychology of leadership and totalitarianism beyond the well-plumbed foundation laid by Weber, Arendt, Adorno and Company. His book serves both as a trenchant analysis of the present day challenge to individual and collective freedom and a graphic warning on its implications.  

- Neil Abercrombie, Former Governor State of Hawaii

It is no surprise, but a welcome event, that Dr. Ed Dunbar, a leading hate crimes researcher, has written a sophisticated science-based account of authoritarian dictators, for hate of the "other" is inherent to the thinking of fascists and dictators and of their acolytes.  This gem of a treatise can help us understand the millennia-long human tendency to rule over -and be ruled by - those who offer easy solutions to the complexities of society. 

- Gerald C. Davison, University of Southern California