How to deal with destructive leaders: ‘Stay aware of your own role’

We live in an era of destructive leaders. During European Researchers’ Night, Alette Smeulers, professor of international crimes, delves into the minds of so-called ‘strongmen’. What makes their leadership so destructive, and how can we understand what drives them? A preview of the science festival on September 26.

Text: Jelle Posthuma

According to Smeulers, destructive leadership essentially revolves around power: acquiring it, maintaining it, and expanding it. Almost always, it concerns so-called ‘strongmen’ who, once in a key position, pursue absolute power. To achieve this goal, they undermine democratic rule of law and place themselves above it. This is often accompanied by a personality cult, or glorification of the leader.

Polarization and fake news

The destructive leader also creates or emphasizes a common enemy, a scapegoat. ‘Nothing unites people more than a shared adversary. For the destructive leader, this is an effective tool to further expand their power. History provides countless examples of such enemies: Jews, but also communists, intellectuals, migrants, terrorists, or wealthy elites.’

Highlighting this common enemy leads citizens to a blurred perception of reality – exactly the goal of the destructive leader. ‘They, for example, make extensive use of social media. Fake news performs exceptionally well online because people tend to click on sensational stories. And this news is actively spread by destructive leaders, often with the help of online trolls.’

Slippery slope

As a professor of international crimes, Smeulers specializes in genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and terrorism: extreme forms of violence that always occur in a political context. Her research focuses on the perpetrators. The destructive leader is often not the direct executor, but the instigator. ‘Creating a common enemy often leads to violence,’ Smeulers emphasizes.

The rise and escalation of violence by destructive leaders in countries with a democratic tradition never happen overnight. ‘It is a step-by-step process. The Holocaust in Nazi Germany did not begin in 1933 when Hitler came to power, but the first steps were taken then. It is also a psychological mechanism: once someone crosses a line, the next step becomes easier. This process of normalization is what makes it so dangerous.’

Setting a red line is crucial, says Smeulers. She cites Ukraine as an example. ‘If we don’t draw a red line, and give Putin part of Ukraine, he will quickly take another step. We saw this happen before with the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Apparently, we don’t learn from history.’

Calling to account

Smeulers wants to understand how destructive leaders operate and think. ‘If we understand the process, we can monitor it critically and hopefully intervene. We are witnessing it with Trump. Destructive leaders eventually believe that what they say is the truth: they are no longer open to other perspectives. Renowned institutions are sidelined by Trump if the data doesn’t suit him.’

EU leaders and NATO chief Rutte tried to appease Trump. ‘In the short term, they may achieve results, but for Trump, it only confirms that he is right.’ Strengthening the democratic rule of law is vital, the professor states. ‘Independent judges must call destructive leaders to account. It’s no coincidence that destructive leaders try to undermine the rule of law. It was a grave mistake that Trump got away with repeatedly claiming that the 2020 election was stolen and inciting the storming of the Capitol.’

The destructiveness of inaction

The question is whether we are still in time. Destructive leaders seem to be increasing their power worldwide. The democratic process is stalling in various places, according to Smeulers. This is strongly related to major changes. The world is globalizing and digitizing. ‘Many people are not open to change at all: they want to hold on to the old, the traditional. Many destructive leaders exploit this uncertainty.’

At the same time, destructive leaders are not an alien phenomenon: they may resemble ourselves more than we think, the professor asserts. ‘To begin with, many people voted for these leaders. It’s really about destructive following, or people doing nothing, which can also be destructive.’ Smeulers also sees a dangerous process of normalization and turning a blind eye in the Netherlands and Europe regarding Gaza. ‘As a result, Netanyahu can continue operating as a destructive leader.’

It is an important message that the professor wants to convey to the public: ‘We must stay aware of our own role: what am I contributing to, which processes am I supporting? We may seem like a small cog in the machine, but together we can bring about change.’

The evening program

European Researchers’ Night at the Forum includes over 55 activities across four floors, including more than 35 different science shows, talks, and science battles, combined with dance and music. The program features interactive experiments, science quizzes, and lectures from a wide range of scientists.

Smeulers will be interviewed at 9:35 PM in the Rabo Studio about destructive leaders. Visitors are advised to reserve a ticket in advance via the Forum Groningen website. Want to read more about destructive leaders? Smeulers’ book ‘Angstaanjagend normaal’ will soon be published by Alfabet Uitgevers.

The program is organized by: UG Schools for Science and Society, Studium Generale, Universiteitsmuseum, Young Academy Groningen, Science LinX, Forum Groningen, and BKB | Het Campagnebureau.