This is the reason some people are drawn to “strongmen” leaders

Political scientist & author Brian Klaas says “strongmen” leaders like Vladimir Putin activate a template in the human brain, causing many to gravitate toward them. Klaas tells Reality Check’s John Avlon about his research into sociopaths - how they are naturally drawn to power and all too often, succeed in getting it.

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[zoltore]

"War is rich old men protecting their property by sending middle class and lower class young men off to die. It always has been." - George Carlin

[mikesthoughtsonplants.]

A "strongman" will destroy everyone around him if he thinks for a moment it's to his advantage.This is example of common sense, not being so common.

[daynajones]

They only appear strong to people who are weak and insecure. People who are self aware do not fall for these pathetic people. Truly strong people never have the need to bully, manipulate or threaten people.

[rising]

They succeed because no one stands up to them.

[cranjismcbasketball]

I hope that those fleeing Ukraine are safe and make it to a safe location.

[kenster]

I think I once had a boss with those qualities dialled-up. She was a Spanish lady living in the Netherlands. Extremely manipulative, made my coworker cry at work twice, tried to pit some other coworkers against each other, used subtle catty microaggression techniques to spread discomfort or fear.... I think she got transferred to another department within the company after I had left.

[simpleanswers-kjbb]

Same way people flock to bullies in school and work. It's not rocket science especially when power corrupts and its intoxicating.

[DaveK]

They project confidence whether they know what they are doing or not and they know how to flatter those above them and oppress those below them at any cost (to others). Being a sociopath, they have no regard for the welfare of others. That is the essence of getting and keeping power.

[sixbladeknife]

They’re largely drawn to these leaders because they share same personality characteristics.

[polygonalmasonary]

Why has the US reaction been so swift and decisive against a foreign enemy like Pukein 🤮 but over a year later, the US DOJ has completely failed to act against a serious domestic Russian loving enemy who incited a deadly insurrection on the US Capitol. I’d love to have an answer to that one. 🤔😮😮😮

[ronnyskaar]

Fear. And the tyrants stoke fear. Makeing people believe he is the one who can save them.

[charleshuguley]

Desire for political office should be disqualifying.

[heidiweber]

Great segment. Very insightful. This guy is terrific. Thanks,

[teleopinions]

I think that type of person is shameless. I think their brains are wired not to be ashamed of anything, their lies, their mistakes, hurting other people. When they get caught on a lie, they change the conversation and spin another lie right in your face with a smile. They are successful in part because trying to shame them on their behavior outside society's norms does not work on them. More research and studies on that issue alone need to be conducted.

[andreaperry]

Sociopaths aren't human in a sense because they are disconnected from the things that make us human.

[brendamackinnon]

Only evil people would follow evil people!

[kingdarius]

Displacing people in this time of pandemic is so evil. May God pay him according to his deeds

[skiphoffenflaven]

I used to think the US was full of good people. But then 2014-2021 happened. Now I have no idea if I belong where I was born. After meeting countless people from all over the world for the past 30 years, I am pretty sure my cultural/geographical entrance to life was the wrong one.

[niapaulino]

I'll pass on that kind of strongman mentality.

[obamanyoutubetookmychannel]

Prayers for the people of Ukraine, they don’t deserve to be treated this way, running away from home go to another country to seek refugees status.