In this age of narcissism, the proliferation of politicians with significant narcissistic personality features is dramatic. Driven by dreams of glory, they seem to find the spotlight that the arena of politics provides irresistible. This book analyzes narcissism and politics and systematically explores the psychology of narcissism - the entitlement, the grandiosity and arrogance overlying insecurity, the sensitivity to criticism, and the hunger for acclaim - illustrating different narcissistic personality features through a spectrum of international and national politicians. It addresses the power of charismatic leader-follower relationships, as well as the impact of age and illness on leaders driven by dreams of glory.
1. Narcissism in full bloom; 2. Dreams of glory and narcissistic rage; 3. Great expectations; 4. Daughters of destiny I - Indira Gandhi; 5. Daughters of destiny II - Benazir Bhutto; 6. Narcissism and the charismatic leader-follower relationship; 7. Self objects: the special role of wives and the inner circle; 8. Narcissism, entitlement, sex, and power; 9. An exceptional exception: the rise and fall of Italy's Silvio Berlusconi; 10. Phallic narcissism in the governor's mansion; 11. The impact of illness and age on narcissistic leaders; 12. Seeking immortality: dictators and their progeny; 13. Leaders by default: second-choice sons; Conclusion.
