Global Heros? Leader Narcissism and the Pursuit of Diplomatic Success

• In Event: Leaders, International Conflict, and Peaceful Possibilities

Abstract

Previous research has established not only that leader’s matter, but that narcissistic leaders are more likely to behave aggressively in global politics. However, some of the most prominent narcissists in US history are also known for massive diplomatic shake-ups and achievements. Do narcissists also more frequently pursue high-profile international cooperation? I argue that narcissistic leaders are neither hawks nor doves, but instead driven by a desire to maintain an inflated sense of self. Therefore, while narcissists generate more Great Power conflict, they also pursue accolades through high-profile diplomatic success with greater frequency than other leaders. This paper introduces a new dataset of US presidents’ high-profile diplomatic ventures from the presidencies of Washington to George W. Bush. I test my argument that narcissistic leaders more frequently pursue high-profile diplomatic achievements through statistical analysis of US foreign policy history. I employ a case study to connect narcissistic needs, rather than structural or domestic incentives, to the feverish pursuit of diplomatic success. These analyses, perhaps surprisingly, support the argument that narcissists raise the likelihood that the US secures high-profile diplomatic success. Therefore, narcissistic leaders invite us to re-evaluate our common notion that different leaders are either hawkish or dovish. As narcissism increases, these distinctions make less sense. Rather, narcissistic leaders are guided by their truth north of 'going big'.

Author

• John Patrick Harden, Dartmouth College