The Dictator's Handbook

Name: The Dictator's Handbook
Brand: PublicAffairs,U.S.
SKU: 9781541701366
Price: 45.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

Why Bad Behavior is Almost Always Good Politics

By Alastair Smith and Bruce de Mesquita

4.26

( 10,418 ratings, 1,235 reviews)

Summary

The Dictator's Handbook by Alastair Smith and Bruce de Mesquita explores the hidden mechanics of politics, dissecting how leaders retain power regardless of regime type. Through a blend of theory and evidence, the book reveals the universal principles that drive political strategy, highlighting the pragmatic and often ruthless tactics used by leaders to ensure their survival.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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The Dictator's Handbook

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by the inner workings of political power and want to understand strategies employed by leaders to maintain control. It provides an intriguing analysis, blending political theory and real-world examples, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in politics and governance.

The Dictator's Handbook

Now featuring a new chapter on the rise of illiberalism worldwide.

The essential book that lays out the real rules of politics: leaders do whatever keeps them in power, regardless of the national interest.

As featured in the viral video "Rules for Rulers," which has been viewed over fifteen million times.

Description

The Dictator's Handbook by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith is a canonical work on political science that challenges conventional wisdom. The authors begin with a striking assertion: leaders do whatever is necessary to stay in power. They are indifferent to the "national interest" or the welfare of their subjects unless compelled to consider them.

Newly updated to reflect the global rise of authoritarianism, this clever and accessible book elucidates how leaders acquire and maintain power. Bueno de Mesquita and Smith argue that democracy is, in essence, a convenient fiction. The distinction among governments lies not in their nature but in the number of essential supporters or backers they must satisfy. The size of this group affects almost every aspect of politics, including what leaders can get away with and the quality of life or misery experienced by the populace. It also holds the key to returning power to the people.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Dictator's Handbook by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith offers a sharp, insightful analysis of political behaviour, revealing how both democrats and dictators prioritise political survival. Critics praise its clear writing and wide-ranging use of historical, economic, and political insights. Reviewers laud it as thought-provoking and enlightening, comparing it to Machiavelli’s The Prince, and recommend it as essential reading for understanding governance.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781541701366

Publisher: PublicAffairs,U.S.

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 May 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: PublicAffairs,U.S.

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 400

Collections

Alastair Smith Bruce de Mesquita Education & Reference New at Book Hero Non-Fiction Politics & Current Affairs

About the Author

Bruce Bueno de Mesquita is the Julius Silver Professor of Politics and director of the Alexander Hamilton Center for Political Economy at New York University. He is the author of sixteen books, including The Predictioneer's Game.

Alastair Smith is professor of politics at New York University. The recipient of three grants from the National Science Foundation and author of three books, he was chosen as the 2005 Karl Deutsch Award winner, given biennially to the best international relations scholar under the age of forty. They are also the authors of The Spoils of War: Greed, Power, and the Conflicts That Made Our Greatest Presidents.