by Jeb Smith
August 27, 2025 - In The Dictator’s Handbook, Why Bad Behavior is Almost Always Good Politics, Professors Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith look at historical examples as well as modern ones and conclude successful politicians do not gain power by helping “We the People,” but by knowing how to gain and maintain it. This is done primarily through supporting the correct coalition of backers. To maintain their power, they must use the funds government access provides and divvy them to supporters who brought them to power and will keep them there.
Those with the longest and most “successful” careers are willing to hand out benefits and engage in corrupt actions. Those held back by moral concerns are thus disadvantaged by those with no such handicap. Ruthlessness is best.
