False Critical Decisions of Ignorant Leaders with Inflated Self-esteem

Abstract

This opinion article examines how ignorance combined with inflated self-esteem can lead leaders to make false critical decisions. The author notes that leaders were once chosen from the older generation for their life experience, later for their military abilities, and today mainly for their political power and the backing of supporters, which allows inexperienced or ignorant individuals to reach the top and expose their populations to unprecedented risks. Wise and experienced leadership is illustrated by King Solomon's judgement in the dispute between two women over a baby. The article then gives examples that, in the author's view, show the consequences of such failings: Napoleon's rejection of Robert Fulton's offer of steam-powered ships; Stalin's support for Trofim Lysenko and the imprisonment of Nicolai Vavilov, which the author links to famine and the death of millions; the Nazi removal of Jewish scientists, which slowed German nuclear research; Benjamin Netanyahu's conception that Hamas would be deterred by money from Qatar, which the author connects to the attack of 7 October 2023; Ali Khamenei's hostility towards Israel and its consequences for Iran; Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine; and Bashar al-Assad's rule, which ended with his military defeat and asylum in Russia. Across these cases, the author attributes the outcomes to ignorance, conservative or racist thinking and over-blown self-esteem.

Abstract prepared by the editorial office from the full text of the article; the authors did not supply one.