To give some examples of dictators; We can count Adolf Hitler from Germany, Benito Mussolini from Italy and Saddam Hussein from Iraq. When you stop and think, “How could these people support such people?” You can say, but human psychology is such a complicated and interesting thing that it can even endear dictators to some.
In this article, we will explain how the psychological factors inherent in humanity and some of which come from evolution have an effect on our support of dictators and sometimes even our fanaticism.
First, let’s look at what dictatorship literally means.
A dictatorship is a form of government in which one person or a small group has absolute power without effective constitutional restrictions. Modern dictators are like old tyrants. The descriptions of the ancient philosophers of the tyrannies of Greece and Sicily are very close to characterizing modern dictatorships.
dictators; They often resort to force or fraud to obtain the despotic political power they maintain through intimidation, terror, and the suppression of basic civil liberties. They can also use mass propaganda techniques to maintain public support.
Despite all their bad traits, the public trusts them and is fascinated by power.
Often over morality, they rant against others, plunge the public into misery, and give short answers to complex problems. They have a mix of narcissistic and antisocial personality disorder traits such as lack of empathy, arrogance, power and control insanity, lying, and disobedience to traditional rules. The people who submit to him are fascinated by seeing a strong person. He, too, ultimately comes to power on the backs of those he despises and despises.
The fear factor keeps people tied to a dictator.
Remember Germany after World War I. Inflation was at its peak, and a lot of money was needed even to buy a loaf of bread. The Nazi Party came to the people with a new strength and optimism, using the atmosphere of desperation and fear in this period.
What we can deduce from here is that; The fear factor pushes people to commit to autocratic governments. People have an unrealistic worry that they will not be able to protect themselves and their loved ones. This fear attaches them to a dictator, even if they lose their basic freedom.
Another important factor in supporting dictators is religion.
A leader is not just a person. He is also heroic, inaccessible, and savior. When a tyrant speaks, people put themselves below him, thinking that he can bring heavenly benefits. If the dictators also use the religion factor, it will be very easy to get the support of the people.
The motivation to position oneself in the stronger group has a substantial effect.
Consider a classroom setting. In one group there are bully but very popular kids, on the other you have the individual and uninspired. Certainly; You want to be in the strong group, not in the minority.
When the situation starts to deteriorate in the political authorities, many roles are played. Resentment, extreme polarization, scapegoating… Here again, to give an example from Germany, they declared a scapegoat by showing their only problem as Jews. In this case, which group would the public want to belong to? Not to the minority, of course, but to the group next to the authoritarian leader.
Aside from social status in groups, the number of people there also affects the obedience rate. Whichever group has the higher number, tends to be included in that group, just like sheep in a flock.
Evolutionary behaviors lead people to status positions.
Humans are status-oriented creatures, unfortunately, in part because of evolutionary behavior. Especially in our modern capitalist society, we are obsessed with material and superficial “achievements”. Clothes, cars, names, brands, titles, fame.
Just as we admire rich, beautiful, resplendent celebrities; We are also interested in rich and authoritarian politicians who hold power. As part of his group, we satisfy ourselves by thinking as if we own what he has.
Feeling weak or uncertain gives hope for a powerful idol.
When people feel a lack of control in their own lives, they turn to fantasy figures to regain their sense of power and ego. These people are mostly; celebrities, idols, and people with charisma and power.
These charismatic types are masters of self-assurance, self-assurance, which is reassuring and contagious to those who feel unstable or insecure within themselves. When your relationship, financial situation or happiness seems to deteriorate; What attracts you and gives you hope is the charm of the person who seems to have it all.
There may be a need to stay in the safe zone.
Some people, perhaps out of fear of responsibility or revenge, choose to stay in their safe space and let someone else run the show.
This passivity can work to some extent as a first target. However, it is one of the reinforcers that allows dictators to advance uncontrollably.
Ignorance makes it easier to believe and support dictators.
It is much easier to be exploited by a confident dictator when you do not doubt or critically examine the statements or motivations of leaders.
Unfortunately, many people find it easier to believe without thinking. Thus, people who believe in dictators; He doesn’t even think about learning about serious topics, reading, or asking questions about things that don’t make sense. They also don’t seem to be skeptical or worried about too much power being concentrated in the hands of any individual and what that might entail.
Going even deeper, an idealized parent figure is needed.
The primary concern in human nature that draws us to the idea of a higher authority or power is based on the need for an idealized parental figure. As we grow up, parents appear huge in our consciousness. They can destroy us with their absence or bad behavior.
They are fundamental to our survival throughout childhood, and when things go wrong with imperfect parent figures, we try to put other people in their shoes. It can be our lover, your boss, your teacher… A hunger for an authoritarian figure like a parent can lead to unquestioning trust in an autocratic leader.
44504
