Charisma and Machiavellianism

How the next president's personality may influence the country and its direction...

The personality trait of machiavellianism concerns the willingness and ability to apply skills of deceit, manipulation, and exploitation of others so as to acquire, use, and maintain power. Machiavelli, a 16th century advisor to political leaders, argued that such skills were necessary to control events rather than to be victimized by them. In a machiavellian world, leaders need to be calculating and to operate with a minimal degree of shame or guilt.

They need to carefully craft a public persona that expresses, "greatness, boldness, gravity, and strength," in all the leader does.

In the laboratory, people high in machiavellianism endorse psychological test items that include, "Never tell anyone the real reason you did something unless it is useful to do so," "The best way to handle people is to tell them what they want to hear" - and similar manipulative beliefs.  In terms of the acts they perform, they are likely to acknowledge that they "flattered someone to get a favor" or "told a lie to get ahead." Machiavellianism is in play in politics today, with presidents high in machiavellian characteristics faring better than those without. 

Perhaps this is because machiavellianism is related, in ways not yet fully understood, to charisma. A person with charisma creates an appearance of possessing extraordinary leadership gifts including the competence to cope with crises, radical ideas that depart from customary political practices, and the transcendence of political divisions.

The mythology of the charismatic leader is enhanced if he or she can point to a history of past successes.  Successful charismatic leaders also possess a base of loyal and enthusiastic followers. In historians' evaluations of US presidents, a leader high in charisma is typically described as, "a dynamo of energy and determination," "characterized by others as a world figure," "enjoys ceremonial aspects of the office," and, "keeps in contact with the American public and its moods."

In an historiometric study of US presidents, Derluga found that machiavellianism and charisma were highly related.

So, in choosing presidents who are cool and charismatic, we are likely also choosing presidents who are machiavellian.

Kemo D. 7