The Psychological Makeup of Those Who Follow and Admire Dictators
The Search for a "Strong Parental Figure"
One fundamental psychological draw towards tyrannical leaders stems from a primal human need for a powerful, idealized parental figure. In childhood, parents are the primary source of security and guidance. If early parental relationships are marked by absence, cruelty, or inconsistency, an individual may develop an intensified craving for the support of a strong, seemingly perfect authority. Dictators often exploit this deeply ingrained desire by presenting themselves as omnipotent protectors who will bring order, stability, and strength to a chaotic world. This uncritical worship can blind followers to the leader's true nature and destructive actions.
Authoritarian Personality Traits
Decades of psychological research have identified a constellation of traits associated with what is termed the "authoritarian personality." This personality type is characterized by:
Conventionalism: A rigid adherence to conventional values and social norms.
Authoritarian Submission: An unquestioning obedience and respect for authority figures.
Authoritarian Aggression: A tendency to display aggression towards individuals or groups perceived to violate conventional values or who are identified as targets by the authority.
Anti-intraception: An opposition to subjectivity, imagination, and a preference for rigid, black-and-white thinking.
Power and Toughness: A preoccupation with dominance and submission, and a strong assertion of strength.
Cynicism and Destructiveness: A general hostility towards human nature and a readiness to punish others.
Intolerance of Ambiguity: A need for clear, definitive answers and an discomfort with complexity or uncertainty.
These traits are often believed to develop in childhood, potentially influenced by hierarchical or punitive parenting styles that stifle free will and independent thought. Individuals with such a psychological makeup may find comfort in the strict order and clear directives offered by an authoritarian regime.
Craving for Control and Order
Beyond simple submission, some individuals are drawn to authoritarianism because they desire to be on the "controlling" side. When societal conditions are perceived as chaotic, threatening, or morally decadent, the promise of a leader who will restore "normative order" and suppress perceived threats (often from "outsiders" or "enemies within") becomes highly appealing. For those who yearn for conformity and consensus, the coercion and constraint necessary to achieve this order may seem like a small price to pay. This perspective shifts the motivation from being controlled to wanting to exert control, or at least be aligned with those who do.
Shared Power and the "Ends Justify the Means" Mentality
A segment of followers may also be motivated by a craving for shared power. These "henchmen" enable and support toxic leaders, basking in the reflected glory and benefiting from the spoils of the regime. They may turn a blind eye to atrocities, rationalizing that the "ends justify the means" and that the leader's effectiveness (in achieving desired outcomes, however brutal the methods) outweighs moral considerations. Apathy also plays a role, with many simply deferring to leaders and failing to hold them accountable, often assuming they will do the "right thing" or making exceptions for their behavior.
Vulnerability and Manipulation Tactics
Dictators and authoritarian movements often target vulnerable individuals who are seeking belonging, meaning, or an escape from unhappy life situations. This vulnerability can be exploited through tactics akin to those used by cults:
Love Bombing: Potential recruits are initially showered with affection and validation, creating a sense of acceptance and belonging.
Isolation: Followers are gradually separated from external support systems (family, friends) to increase dependence on the leader and the group.
Identity Remaking: The individual's former identity is slowly dismantled and replaced with a new one that aligns with the group's ideology.
Fear and Coercion: Threats, punishment, and deprivation can be used to ensure obedience and prevent dissent.
Deception: Information is controlled, and a narrative is crafted that portrays the leader as infallible and the outside world as dangerous.
While not all followers exhibit clinical psychological disorders, the environment created by authoritarian regimes can induce profound psychological changes, leading to extreme identity confusion, anxiety, and a diminished capacity for independent thought.
Conclusion
The admiration and following of dictators are not monolithic phenomena. They are rooted in a complex interplay of human psychology, including a yearning for strong leadership, the presence of authoritarian personality traits, a desire for order and control, and the susceptibility to sophisticated manipulation tactics. Understanding these psychological underpinnings is crucial for recognizing the warning signs of authoritarianism and fostering societies that are resilient against its corrosive influence.
