Tyrannical Minds: Psychological Profiling, Narcissism, and Dictatorship

Psychologist Haycock (Murderous Minds) closely examines the inner nature of tyrants in this intriguing, if occasionally strained, study. Offering case studies of such figures as Adolf Hitler, Mao Zedong, and Saddam Hussein, Haycock posits that they share, in addition to experiences of deep loss and childhood neglect or abuse, the personality disorder of “malignant narcissism,” which a psychiatrist cited here describes as being based on “subtle paranoia, lack of conscience, and sadism.” Paranoia is particularly important, Haycock notes; the authoritarian ruler often has betrayed others and expects to be betrayed in turn—Joseph Stalin, on whom Haycock offers a particularly fine chapter, was a prime example of this. Unfortunately, Haycock spends too much time on President Trump, whom he acknowledges is not a despot but a “fast-talking narcissistic salesman” who admires authoritarianism in other national leaders. Stylistically, Haycock’s writing is clear and permeated with insight, though he occasionally delivers bland, self-evident observations (Of Stalin: “It is possible that had he been born into a comfortable, loving, and supporting family... he might have found far less destructive ways to spend his time.”) Still, this is otherwise a thoughtful and significant contribution to the art of psychologically profiling political leaders from afar. Agent: Carrie Pestritto, Laura Dail Literary. (Apr.)