The Psychological Assessment of Political Leaders: With Profiles of Saddam Hussein and Bill Clinton

By Jerrold M. Post

Book Overview

"If we want to understand what they do," writes Jerrold M. Post, in his introduction to this important work, "we had better have useful theories of why they do it." This is the driving sentiment... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0472098381
• ISBN13: 9780472098385
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: University of Michigan Press
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 1.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.3" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Trying to anticipate leaders next move

If you want to know how many ways are available to assest traits of a leader personality this is the book to do so.

Trying to anticipate leaders next move

If someone wants to know how many ways are available to assest traits of a leader personality this is the book to do so.

Curious Coupling

Of all persons to be paired in a remote manner by psychological review, it's interesting that the author should explore the personalities of these two prominent persons while both are alive, and in theory, able to defend themselves. While Hussain may not have been available previously upon the initial writing, the fact that he is now in custody makes the analysis considerably more pertinent in view of recent news reports and discussion about what to do with him. While it is not the pairing that most would imagine could produce the height of contrast given the monstrous depiction of Hussain's crimes, the concept of evaluating the psychological profiles of leaders who wield such enormous power by their charisma as well as their position in world events is an admirable endeavor, and may well aid us in choosing talented leaders with great vision, and hence, great potential to either help or harm the world in due measure. Certainly, such a projection by perspective may lead to evaluation of other important figures in positions of influence, either in government or in business with decidedly greater opportunity to see where or by whom the nation is being guided, and in what direction. It may even prove useful for many in Congress who seek to leverage their positions of influence in certain directions, or who may use them to stall and thwart legislation recognized to be important or urgent. Could this pattern also apply to the Supreme Court to greatly increase the degree of scrutiny by which our "elected" leaders govern themselves? What a prospect! Imagine the secrets that would unfold given the nature of egos that inhabit our universe and where they seem to congregate and preside. These eyepopping examinations may provide entirely new perspectives and responsibilities when it comes to elections, giving us both foresight and more than a little hindsight. Surely, pairing these two between the covers of this anthology meets that criteria well.

Read This If You Want a True Insight into Saddam Hussein

Like the first reviewer, I too watched Post on C-Span describing his studies and answering questions. Unlike the first reviewer, I was struck by Post's professionalism, wisdom and mastery of his subject. He was also, quite righly, unwilling to be drawn into political debate, although some questioners attempted to goad him into it by making outrageous statements of political fiction disguised as questions.I feel the first reviewer is biased and even admits to not having read the book.This is a book that should be read be every thinking person who has an interest in world conflict and how the psychological make- up of leaders effects the conduct of their policies and administrations.His description of Saddam Hussein, compiled after years of meticulous research and interviews, shows how a miserable childhood combined with a specific psychological make-up can produce a "malignant narcissist", who is a danger to everyone around him. It shows that trying to "give him a chance to reform", is a policy that is bound to fail, because it will only fan his delusions further. SH is not, according to Post a madman but a calculating planner with clear goals and objectives. SH is also, it seems, a murderous sociopath.This book is like having the play-book on SH. It enables us to understand what he does, why he does it and how he is likely to react to events and to the pressure brought to bear on him by military action. It enables one to gain an insight into events beyond the polemic of political debate.READ IT!