How Does Narcissism Influence Autocratic Leaders?‎

Co-authored with Lorraine Kellum

Narcissism does afflict autocratic leaders, according to research. Democracy researchers report that more than ‎one-third of the world’s population today lives under authoritarian rule. Autocratic ‎leaders usually make their way to the helm of power by moving up the ranks of ‎country-level leadership. They start by presenting themselves as common patriots and ‎building trust. It isn’t until years later that their criminal and tyrannical behaviors surface. ‎No amount of repression, control, or warmongering can assuage the appetites of these rulers. An ‎autocrat’s need for power is insatiable. ‎

The actions and thinking patterns of individuals with narcissistic personality disorder ‎mimic those found during childhood. Throughout childhood and ‎adolescence, all of us contend with the fragility of our egos. Communal support and ‎educational resources help to build our self-esteem during these early years as well as ‎support us through our learning of how to reason, negotiate, and work together with others. By adulthood, narcissistic character traits dissipate, but only when our egos remain ‎fit and intact.‎

In autocratic leaders, their childhood needs never die. Autocratic ‎leaders lie, demean, start wars, and sow chaos without an inch of remorse. Autocrats also feed off of the actions of other dictators and despots. They envy, admire, and ‎build coalitions with other autocrats—the teenage equivalent of a schoolyard bully joining ‎forces with a neighborhood gang. ‎

A Unified Strategy

All of this begs the question: How effective are healthy leaders when they handle their ‎narcissistic, autocratic counterparts globally? Psychology certainly has a role to play.‎

First, narcissists need clear boundaries. Attempts to confront or talk things ‎through with a narcissist do not work. The narcissist’s untampered need for control ‎means that there is an irrational need to lead, even if straight down hell’s staircase. ‎Establishing clear boundaries ensures limits on testy behaviors.‎

Second, psychologists recommend communicating clearly and positively when dealing ‎with narcissists. They recommend avoiding criticism and negative feedback at all costs. ‎This is because narcissists lack the reasoning skills that healthy individuals develop during ‎adolescence, as well as the empathy and humility needed to evaluate ideas. Clear and ‎positive communication feeds the narcissist’s need for laudation, praise, and approval. ‎

Third, and finally, a system of support is crucial when dealing with the demands of a ‎narcissist. Healthy leaders do well to develop a unified strategy that is clear and ‎unwavering when entering talks with madmen. Seeking new ways to build democratic ‎capacities and expand communications among other healthy leaders would support the ‎aims of human rights defenders and peacekeepers.

Conclusion

The ‎world is witnessing the biggest slide in democratic leadership since World War II. With ‎the largest military by far, US leadership remains at the helm of international order. The role of US leaders in preventing conflict escalations and containing threats cannot ‎be overstated. Here, psychologists are uniquely positioned to provide support.

Lorraine Kellum achieved a BS in Psychology and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction, both from Virginia Tech.