REFLECTIONS ON CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP BY TERROR:

FINDING SHAKA ZULU

IN THE ATTIC

1

The best political weapon is the weapon of terror. Cruelty commands

respect. Men may hate us. But, we don ’ t ask for their love; only for their

fear.

— Heinrich Himmler

Introduction

In this chapter, I try to enter the despotic mind to understand better the
behavior of tyrannical leaders and explore the collusive relationship
between despots and their followers. Why and how do people become
accustomed to violence and go along with the practices of a despotic
regime? I look at cultures characterized by paranoia, obedience to
authority, identifi cation with the aggressor, and dehumanization of the
enemy, and examine the psychology of regressive group behavior. How
do a despot ’ s subjects experience the terror enacted by a tyrannical
regime?
In twelve short years, the South African warrior - king Shaka Zulu —
sometimes called ‘ the Black Napoleon ’ or ‘ the African Attila ’ —
conquered a territory larger than contemporary Western Europe. A
proxy for all tyrants throughout human history, his life allows us to
better understand the timeless motivations and manifestations of
despotism.

CHAPTER 9