Oh God, What Now? Is Trump a psychopath? – The cruel psychology of modern power
Feb 11, 2026
Ian Hughes, author focused on political psychology and authoritarianism, riffs on why cruel, venal leaders thrive today. He traces malignant normality, how leaders and followers form a toxic triangle, and why democratic guardrails are eroding. Short, sharp takes on historical dictators, impunity among elites, and what might rebuild collective defenses.
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Malignant Normality Is Real
- Ian borrows 'malignant normality' to describe harmful practices treated as normal.
- He sees scandals like the Epstein files as revealing that normality is actually damaging.
Reassert State Capacity
- Rebuild state capacity by reasserting central government powers and sticking to long-term plans.
- Phil Tinline's report urges governments to fight judicial overreach and follow through on multi-year strategies.
Followers Drive Mass Pathology
- Mass participation in atrocities relies more on ordinary people than only on disordered elites.
- Scapegoating and fear mobilise the 'falling middle' into supporting extremists.
