The Psychology of Authoritarian Followers and Leaders

 In The Authoritarians by Bob Altemeyer, the characteristics of authoritarian personalities are discussed in depth, focusing on both leaders (authoritarian leaders) and followers (authoritarian followers). Altemeyer’s work builds on the earlier studies by Adorno et al. in the 1950s but refines and focuses the concept for modern psychological and sociopolitical contexts. Here is a complete list of the key traits associated with both leaders and followers:

Characteristics of Authoritarian Followers

Authoritarian followers are high on what Altemeyer refers to as Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA). These individuals exhibit the following core traits:

1. Submission to Authority

  • A strong tendency to obey perceived legitimate authorities.
  • Followers defer to leaders, trusting them to define morality and appropriate behavior.

2. Conventionalism

  • A deep adherence to societal norms and traditions endorsed by authority figures.
  • Preference for established practices and resistance to social change.

3. Aggression

  • Hostility directed at individuals or groups perceived as threatening to the established order or sanctioned by authority figures.
  • This aggression is often justified as defending societal norms or values.

4. Cognitive Rigidity

  • Difficulty in accepting or processing new or complex ideas, particularly those that challenge pre-existing beliefs or norms.
  • A tendency toward black-and-white thinking.

5. Fear and Perception of Threat

  • A heightened sensitivity to perceived threats, whether they are social, cultural, or political.
  • A preference for strong authority to ensure safety and stability.

6. Group Loyalty and Tribalism

  • A strong sense of in-group loyalty and identity.
  • Tendency to view out-groups with suspicion, hostility, or as scapegoats for societal problems.

7. Moral Double Standards

  • Applying different moral standards to their own group versus others.
  • Tolerating behaviors in authority figures or in-group members that they would condemn in outsiders.

8. Resistance to Evidence

  • A tendency to dismiss or ignore evidence that contradicts their beliefs or challenges their loyalty to authority figures.
  • This includes a reliance on motivated reasoning to protect their worldview.

Characteristics of Authoritarian Leaders

Authoritarian leaders often exhibit traits associated with social dominance orientation (SDO) and use their position to exert control over others. These traits include:

1. Dominance

  • A strong drive to achieve and maintain power and control over others.
  • A willingness to manipulate followers to achieve their goals.

2. Amorality

  • Little regard for ethical principles or fairness unless they serve to maintain power.
  • Pragmatic and utilitarian in their decision-making, often at the expense of others.

3. Deceptiveness

  • A propensity for lying, misinformation, and propaganda to manipulate followers or opponents.
  • Mastery of communication to appear credible and charismatic while hiding true intentions.

4. Exploitation of Fear

  • Leaders often exploit fears and perceived threats to rally support and justify authoritarian measures.
  • Fear-mongering about out-groups or external enemies is common.

5. Aggression and Vindictiveness

  • A willingness to use aggression or punitive measures to suppress dissent or maintain order.
  • Personal vindictiveness toward critics or rivals.

6. Narcissism

  • An inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement to power.
  • A belief in their own infallibility or greatness, often demanding loyalty and admiration from followers.

7. Intolerance for Dissent

  • Strong aversion to criticism or questioning of their authority.
  • Suppression of opposition through censorship, punishment, or intimidation.

8. Preference for Hierarchy

  • A belief in a rigid social structure with clear roles and ranks.
  • A preference for systems that reinforce their dominance and the submission of followers.

9. Lack of Empathy

  • Little consideration for the needs, feelings, or suffering of others, particularly those outside their circle of influence or power.
  • Policies and decisions often reflect this lack of compassion.

10. Populist Rhetoric

  • Leaders often use populist appeals, presenting themselves as the "voice of the people" while framing opponents as elitist or corrupt.
  • They exploit followers' desires for security and order while framing dissent as betrayal.

Interplay Between Leaders and Followers

Altemeyer emphasizes the mutually reinforcing dynamic between authoritarian leaders and followers. Leaders provide a sense of certainty, stability, and protection that followers crave, while followers offer loyalty and unquestioning support that enables leaders to consolidate power.

Key Insights

  • Followers' Motivation: Fear of change, desire for security, and the perception of external threats.
  • Leaders' Motivation: Desire for power, control, and the manipulation of followers for personal or ideological goals.

Altemeyer’s work highlights how these traits contribute to the success of authoritarian systems and warns about the dangers posed by this dynamic in democratic societies. He also emphasizes that authoritarianism is not confined to any particular political ideology but can manifest in various forms across the spectrum.

@theauthoritarians.bsky.social 


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