Good Societies Need Good Leaders on a Leash

Abstract

Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely (Werlin, 2007, 359). If this famous statement by Lord Acton of how the world works is correct, the power of elites obviously needs to be restrained to avoid corruption and bad rule (Werlin, 2007, 359). The power-corruption malaise is supposedly true for all kinds of power, but, as stated in the introduction to this volume, especially so for political power. History abounds with examples of poorly restrained, out-of-control leaders – not only highhanded dictators and kings claiming the grace of God but, unfortunately, sometimes also those who have come to power through democratically held elections. Today, we have substantial empirical support for claiming that the consequences of badly restrained political elites for human well-being have been, and still are, dire. No names are necessary, but it is a sad truth that bad megalomaniac leaders and elites are more highlighted and remembered in history books than the more anonymous good leaders. Thus, there are plenty of evidence-based historical proofs that power is best exercised if it can be effectively restrained through systems of control and accountability (Fukuyama, 2011, 321–434). That unrestrained power corrupts is a corroborated social science “law,” not all the time and under all circumstances, but often enough to enjoy a law-like status.