The myth of the strong leader: political leadership in the modern age. (2014)

“Brown warns of the dangers of leaders who, whether in a democracy or a tyranny, seek to dominate policy and all those around them. The reality or the delusion of unchallenged power often leads to faulty policy and misfortune for those governed

Archie Brown, Emeritus Professor of Politics, Oxford University;  Emeritus Fellow, St Antony’s College, Oxford; Fellow of the British Academy
Published by Bodley Head, part of Vintage Publishing

Brown warns of the dangers of leaders who, whether in a democracy or a tyranny, seek to dominate policy and all those around them, writes Robert Legvold in his review (Foreign Affairs, March / April 2014).

“The reality or the delusion of unchallenged power often leads to faulty policy and misfortune for those governed.  …., the idea that one person is entitled to take the big decisions is dangerous, and the advantages of a collegial style of leadership are too often overlooked.”

Donald McIntyre, writing in the Independent (17 April 2014) notes that “Brown argues that other qualities should matter more than “strength” including intelligence, collegiality, articulacy… courage, vision, empathy and boundless energy.”

“Brown places exceptional peacetime democratic leaders … into two categories which transcend or even contradict the conventional view of “strength”.

“There are “redefining” leaders – in Britain: Asquith and Attlee, who presided over distinctively collective Cabinets containing arguably stronger figures than themselves like Lloyd George and Bevin, and Margaret Thatcher, who he suggests despite her force of personality was less “dismissive” of her party and less inclined to bypass her Cabinet, than Blair.

“Then he nominates a premier league of “transformational leaders” Abraham Lincoln, De Gaulle, Gorbachev, Mandela, and perhaps more controversially, Deng Xiaoping.”

Access the book here: The myth of the strong leader

Access Robert Legvolds Foreign Affairs review here: Myth of the strong leader booker review

Access Donald McIntyre’s Independent review here: Foreign Affairs book review