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