Ep 26: Malignant Narcissists in Politics | Their Rise and Fall to Power

In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the dangerous dynamics of malignant narcissism in political leadership. We first explore how these leaders rise to power, the psychological factors that enable their ascent, and the societal conditions that make populations susceptible to their charm. We introduce the narcoticizing and honeymoon phases of their reign where the malignant charmer woos their adoring audience. We then explore the characteristics that define malignant narcissist leaders, including how they navigate crises, the corruptibility of their conscience, and their devolution into psychotic thought processes. Further expounding on the dangers of their paranoia and their need for enemies, we share how no one escapes unscathed from these types in leadership. Our discussion concludes with reflections about the aftermath of the malignant narcissist’s reign, and the recovery and healing process from the trauma they inflict.

Chapters

• 00:00 Intro to Malignant Narcissism in Leadership
• 02:56 Factors Enabling their Rise to Power
• 06:51 The Appeal of the Authoritarian Leader
• 08:46 The Narcoticizing Phase
• 11:13 The Honeymoon Phase
• 13:56 Characteristics of Malignant Narcissist Leaders
  • 17:24 Decision Making and Crises
  • 20:30 Corruptible Conscience
  • 21:08 Paranoia and Psychosis in Power
  • 24:20 The Need for Enemies
• 27:04 Life Cycle and End of their Reign
• 33:21 Rising from the Ashes of Narcissism