The spirit of despotism
Understanding the tyrant within
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 9891002 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Manfred F R Kets De Vries (INSEAD's, France, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2006 |
| Volume | 59 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 195-220 |
| Publication date | 2006-02-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Human Relations (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0018-7267 • E-ISSN: 1741-282X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/0018726706062732 |
| OpenAlex | W2167731766 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 10 |
| References cited | 12 |
The objective of this article is to better understand the developmental history of despotic regimes and the existence of leadership by terror. To gain greater insight into this phenomenon, the unusual relationship between leaders and followers in despotic regimes is explored, and the self-destructive cycle that characterizes such regimes is examined. The price paid in the form of human suffering and the breakdown of the moral fabric of a society is highlighted. In this article, particular attention is paid to highly intrusive totalitarian regimes. The levers used by such regimes to consolidate their power base are discussed in detail. The role of ideology, the enforcement of mind-control, the impact of the media, the inception of the illusion of solidarity, and the search for scapegoats are part of the review. Finally, suggestions are made on how to prevent despotic leaders from gaining a hold on power. Observations are made about the newly founded International Criminal Court, a permanent international judicial body that has been specially set up to try despotic rulers for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes
Crimes against humanity · Criminology · Epistemology · Genocide · Humanity · Ideology · Illusion · International law · Phenomenon · Political science · Power (physics · Sociology · Solidarity · War crime · Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance · Health and Conflict Studies · Law · Political Conflict and Governance · Psychology
Paradise lost- the effect of the erosion of collegiality and academic freedom on psychological safety of academics
To What Extent Do Non-Westerners Tolerate Political Oppression? They Have Their Own “Impossible Tyranny”
Identities and ideals
Turning a Blind or Critical Eye to Leader Value Breaches
Who Might Support a Tyrant? An Exploration of Links Between Adolescent Family Conflict and Endorsement of Tyrannical Implicit Leadership Theories
In the mood for obedience
Manipulated Society
Give Me a Hallelujah! Amen! Institutional reproduction in the presence of moral perturbation and the dynamics of emotional investment
A model of political leadership
Frustration-based outcomes of entitlement and the influence of supervisor communication
Childhood and society
Thought reform and the psychology of totalism; a study of "brainwashing" in China.
Studies of independence and conformity
The Origins of Totalitarianism
Totalitarian Dictatorship and Autocracy
Lessons on Leadership by Terror
Experiences in Groups
Prisoners of Leadership
Terror and Resistance
Terror and Resistance
| Unique citing works | 10 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,5 |
| Citation span | 2006 - 2025 (20) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 10 |