As I’ve previously discussed, narcissists are drawn to leadership and high profile roles. Like moths to a flame. And that also applies to politics.
Politicians have power, prestige, and public platforms to stand on. They’re well paid, and have potential for extra curricular earnings. These benefits inevitably attract narcissists.
Not all politicians are narcissists. But narcissists ARE overrepresented in politics. Several studies estimate that around 6% of people have NPD, many of which are undiagnosed. I’m willing to bet that more than 6% of politicians and leaders are narcissists.
Narcissists love the sound of their own voices. And believe the world is better off if it listens to their sage counselling.
With significant numbers of narcissist politicians, many governments are highly influenced by them. Indeed, some governments are led by them.
Once you learn that politics is rife with narcissism, this helps you see the bigger picture. Some governments ARE dishonest. Some only have their best interests at heart. And some use tactics that narcissists typically use.
Here’s how narcissist behaviours and ideals are reflected in some governments…
Please Check Out This Short Video To Aid Your Understanding…
Love Bombing At The Beginning Of A Relationship
As most of you know, narcissists play the nice act at the beginning of relationships. This draws the person in, before they unleash their tirade. They know they can’t act narcissistic right away, as this shocks and turns people away. Narcissistic governments do the same.
For example the Nazi party didn’t start by directly stating their intentions to cause wars and persecute sections of their community. They created things such as “Hitler’s Youth”. They promised jobs and security, after years of economic uncertainty. And presented Hitler as a dashing young, passionate, and charismatic leader.
Narcissistic governments schmooze people at the beginning. And once they have a solid base of power, the tyranny begins. They only played nice to get what they want – power. And once they have power, the game changes.
Gradually Role Out Narcissistic Behaviours
Once someone’s reeled in, the love bombing is usually over. And narcissists gradually introduce their narcissistic ways. And because it’s done gradually, it’s less noticeable.
Hitler didn’t immediately persecute the Jews. He ridiculed them in various newspapers and magazines, under the guise of “jokes”. Then of course, he ramped things up over time.
Narcissist Governments may not always go to such extremes. But they often grow more arrogant and controlling once their feet are planted under the table. And gradually act more like owners, than servants of their people.
Over Confident
Narcissists are often over confident in their abilities. And consider themselves superior. They over estimate their own abilities, and underestimate everybody else’s.
This causes them to make rash ill informed decisions. Often trusting their own intuition, over the advice of experts. And if things go wrong, they’re quick to pass the blame.
Hidden Agendas
Narcissists often have hidden agendas. And may say they want you to do something because of X, when really it’s because of Y.
For example, they might want to take you somewhere to make their ex jealous. But instead of telling you this, they tell you they want to show you a lovely place. And of course this “lovely place” just happens to be where their ex hangs out.
Look at the decisions and messages your government makes. Could they be smokescreens for other agendas? Are they telling you to do something for one reason, when really it’s for another?
Less than two hundred years ago, Governments and influential people convinced the public that some races were beneath them. Like animals. And slavery became accepted and widespread.
The Nazi party gave Cross Of Honour Medals to Mothers who gave birth to 4 or more children. It was to “honour the importance of Mothers to their country”. But the real reason was to produce more men to join the army. Cannon fodder, to help them to expand the Reich, and therefore their power. But of course they’re not going to tell people this.
Prioritize Their Own Interests
Narcissists develop ways of making it appear they’re making decisions to help others. When they’re really helping themselves.
A narcissist may tell you to quit your job because you deserve to be looked after. Knowing you’ll be dependant on them. Giving them power over you.
A Government may convince the public to privatise an industry, stating it increases efficiency. When they personally profit from the businesses that are given the contracts.
Or worse still, a Government makes electoral reforms, sold to the people as improving democracy. But really it strengthens their own authority. And increases their power, at the expense of the peoples. Hitler did this when he first entered Government. And in more recent times Vladimir Putin.
Narcissistic governments try to undermine democracy. Because they don’t care what people want, except when they must appease them.
A shortcut is to undermine the press, or control it. Because they know that if they control the news, they largely control “public opinion”. Although the internet is diluting press power. So please share some of my articles!
Once in control of the press, they can create “enemies” and fear. Then justify attacking these “enemies” to save people. Frightened people are more controllable. And are likely to agree to be “saved”.
False Public Façade
Narcissists typically have separate public and private personas. To some degree we all do . But narcissists take this to extremes.
They can be loveable fun souls to the general public. But absolute monsters to their family. Or vice versa.
This is perfect for politics, because ultimately it’s a popularity contest. More intelligent narcissists learn what to say to win people over. And some have no qualms creating a whole public persona that’s nothing like their private self.
You may notice some politicians are great at reading speeches. But when they meet ordinary people, they’re clueless. Appearing awkward and unnatural.
Many narcissists (but not all) struggle acting like neuro-typicals when they have to think on their feet. Because it can’t be pre-scripted. And appear woefully out their depth. But give them a pre-written script, and they can work magic.
Don’t Have Their Own Opinions
Narcissists typically don’t have concrete opinions of their own. Like most things, opinions are vehicles to get what they want. So they may change from one extreme opinion to the other, depending on what’s advantageous at the time.
For example, I’ve seen many ultra left narcissists who are young and struggling. But when they land well paid careers, they immediately switch to ultra right. No gradual transition, just BOOM!
Yes we all have a right to change our minds. And politicians do share collective views within their party. But some politicians flip flop from one extreme view to another. And have no consistency whatsoever. They’re only interested in saying popular things to gain support and strengthen their position.
Narcissists have no core “self”. All they have is a false façade. They don’t have, or care for opinions. Their “opinions” are only important when they help them get what they want.
Exceptions To The Rules
Narcissists are self entitled and grandiose. And feel that rules don’t apply to them. Which is why many politicians across the globe were caught breaking Covid isolation rules. The rules are for everybody else, not them.
Narcissists sense of grandiosity increases the more successful they are. And many can’t resist bribes from fawning lobbyists. Eager to tell them how great they are, and give them cash to promote their private agendas.
They may stand outside the gates of their home, with their partner and child, offering heartfelt apologies. But they’re only sorry they got caught.
Dishonest
Politicians often get away with dishonesty. They may not honour their election manifestos. Bend facts and figures. And distort the truth to fit their agendas. Yet they largely get away with it.
People often have a “better the devil you know” attitude. And narcissists exploit this.
Narcissists ingrain themselves into peoples lives, and after a while treat them badly. Yet people keep them around because they’ve known them a long time. Politicians have the same effect.
Boris Johnson, UK politician, spent much of his early political career in the media and on TV. And created the “Bumbling Boris” persona. His familiarity helped disarm criticism. Because whenever he “slipped up” (AKA lied or cheated!) many people laughed, shook their head, and exclaimed, “That’s old Bumbling Boris for ya!” Giving him a free pass.
Ownership
Narcissists develop a sense of ownership with their close friends and family. And treat them like they would a car or toaster. Yes they look after them to some degree. But it’s not out of love or loyalty. But to extract more from them.
Most people look after their cars so they can be served by it longer. And this is the mindset narcissists have with people.
Narcissist governments consider themselves owners of the people. And whilst they won’t admit this, they act like it.
They become more controlling, and more dictatorial. Giving less regard to peoples needs and wants. And more focussed on what they can take.
They throw their people the odd bone, but that’s only to keep them sweet. And keep them serving.
Divide And Conquer
Narcissists commonly play people off against each other. Causing bad feelings and conflict. This is also known as triangulation. They control the narrative between different people, causing rifts and distance between them. And the narcissist plays the friend to them all. Although someone may be an enemy if they decide to punish them for some misdemeanour.
This keeps the narcissist in a strong position. They gain allies to support their agendas. And because everyone is divided, there’s no unified effort to oppose them.
Narcissist Governments divide people. They create tensions amongst people from different races, religions, income groups, age, sex etc. The more divided the people are, the weaker they become. And the more power the Government has over them.
Rewrite History
Narcissists often rewrite history. If they did something bad, they spin it into a more positive story. And they embellish their past achievements.
Huge amounts of countries history are hidden, embellished, or made up. Very few admit to being the “baddies”. Most talk of glorious victories if they win, and play the victim if they lose. Sound familiar?! Narcissists are bad winners AND bad losers!
Narcissist politicians deny saying things in the past. And try to change history. But this sometimes comes back to bite them. Videos are now more easily found and shared online. Making it easier to catch them out when contradicting themselves.
Final Thoughts
Before I learnt about narcissism, I didn’t believe that people would act like they do. So I naively made excuses for narcissists. This is common, and I suspect many do the same with narcissist Governments.
They don’t believe Governments could be selfish, abusive, and make decisions for personal gain, at the expense of millions of people. They don’t believe that Governments don’t always have their best interests at heart. And they lie.
Be as we know, narcissists do these things and more. They believe they’re superior, and don’t need to follow rules. They have a sense of entitlement. And have little empathy for others.
Many Governments contain narcissists, with varying levels of influence. Look at the behaviours of your current Government. Do they display narcissist behaviours, either collectively or individually?
The same can be said for powerful organisations and individuals, including religion. They too attract narcissists. Look at how individuals and organisations act. Rather than focus on their image and talk. Sometimes they hide in plain sight.
Whilst not everything is a conspiracy, it’s naïve to blindly trust Governments and powerful organisations. They’re likely to be affected by narcissists within. Apply what you learn about narcissists to these organisations. And you may see what they’re really up to!
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