Personality traits and authoritarian politicians

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Personality Traits and Authoritarian Politicians

Authoritarianism and Political Behavior

Authoritarianism is a significant personality trait that influences political behavior. It is characterized by a preference for order, conformity, and submission to authority. This trait has been extensively studied in the context of political behavior, particularly in democratic societies like the United States. Authoritarian individuals tend to resolve conflicts arbitrarily and have a strong desire for others to submit to their outlook, while also desiring to submit to more powerful individuals themselves.

Authoritarianism in European Politics

In Europe, the impact of authoritarianism on political behavior has been less frequently studied. However, research in France has shown that authoritarianism is positively associated with ethnic intolerance and economic conservatism. It also significantly increases the likelihood of voting for far-right parties like the Front National, while negatively correlating with support for far-left parties. This suggests that authoritarianism plays a crucial role in shaping political attitudes and behaviors in European contexts as well.

Personality Traits in Authoritarian Regimes

In authoritarian regimes, such as Russia, personality traits like agreeableness can significantly influence political attitudes. Agreeableness, typically associated with a desire to maintain positive relations, becomes a critical trait affecting attitudes towards the regime. This trait helps explain why individuals with similar socioeconomic backgrounds can have different attitudes towards the regime, highlighting the complex interplay between personality and political behavior in non-democratic contexts.

The Dark Triad and Political Extremism

The Dark Triad traits—psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism—are also linked to authoritarian political attitudes. These traits predict extreme political attitudes, including White Identitarianism and Political Correctness-Authoritarianism. Psychopathy and Entitlement, in particular, are strong predictors of these extreme attitudes, suggesting that individuals with high levels of these dark traits are more likely to endorse authoritarian views.

Emotional Appeals and Authoritarianism

Political campaigns can stimulate authoritarian traits through targeted emotional appeals. Research shows that exposure to political advertisements designed to invoke fear and the strong-father metaphor can activate authoritarianism, particularly among conservatives. This activation increases the predictive power of authoritarianism over support for policies like torture, indicating that politicians can manipulate emotional responses to enhance authoritarian tendencies among the electorate.

Left-Wing and Right-Wing Authoritarianism

Authoritarianism is not confined to the right-wing; it also exists on the left. Studies have shown that both left-wing and right-wing authoritarianism share a constellation of personality traits, cognitive features, and motivational values. However, left-wing authoritarians tend to be lower in dogmatism and cognitive rigidity but higher in negative emotionality and support for centralized state control. This dual presence of authoritarianism across the political spectrum highlights the need for a broader understanding of its manifestations.

Conclusion

Authoritarianism is a multifaceted personality trait that significantly impacts political behavior across different contexts and political systems. Whether in democratic societies, authoritarian regimes, or across the political spectrum, authoritarian traits shape political attitudes and behaviors in profound ways. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the complex interplay between personality and politics.