LEADERSHIP BY TERROR 189control over an uncontrollable situation. The hostility does not simply
go away, of course; it comes out eventually, transformed and displaced
toward people out of favor (Adorno et al ., 1950 ).
Identifi cation with the aggressor is a sinister pact between a ‘ mirror -
hungry ’ leader, who never can receive enough admiration, and ‘ ideal -
hungry ’ followers, who clamor for an all - wise, all - powerful leader to
guide them (Kohut, 1971, 1985 ). Because of the anxiety created by social
unrest and the violence of tyranny, the despot ’ s subjects are prepared to
suspend independent thinking and go along with the whims of the
leader. They are willing to participate in whatever atrocity he chooses
to enact, knowing that resistance will be met by violence; what he does
(or did) to them, they will do to others. Their principal rewards are
survival, solidarity, and social cohesion.
Dissociative Thinking
Throughout history there have been abundant candidates for the posts
of assistant despot and deputy conqueror. We can surmise that we all
have a dark side capable of cruelty; we all have a Shaka Zulu in the attic.
Likewise, we all possess a number of defenses against cruelty in our
arsenal.
Some people resort to dissociative thinking to handle the violence
and terror of a totalitarian regime. Dissociation is a common mechanism
by which people cope with overwhelming, stressful experiences (Stein-
berg and Schnall, 2000 ). As an occasional tool it can be lifesaving: when
faced with a tiger in the wild, for example, it is wise to stand back and
assess the situation without emotion. As an everyday coping device,
however, dissociation is excessive: people who rely on dissociative think-
ing as a way of life disconnect themselves from the world.
Dissociation is a schizoid resolution to the human condition. It is
effective at defusing anxiety, but it results in feelings of uncertainty or
confl ict about one ’ s being and purpose. It also creates a sense of unreal-
ity, a subjective experience of deadness, disconnection from others, and
internal disintegration. Dissociative people act out a charade, putting on
a bland mask in public to cover the turmoil within.
Fleeing into Despair
While some victims and henchmen of tyranny take refuge in dissocia-
tion, others fl ee — but not far enough to do any good. They become