Chautauqua Speaks: Heroes and Villains: Psychology of World Leaders

Have you ever pondered if famed political leaders were primarily chosen by historical events and therefore primarily driven by their contexts, or do such leaders possess unique characteristics that would drive them to seize glory and power and to leave their mark on history in any era? Why are some leaders called “the Great” by popular acclaim (Alexander, Genghis, Peter, Catherine, Fredrick) and why have some become archetypes of leadership (Caesar, Elizabeth 1) while others sink into obscurity? Is it possible to consider a person a “great” leader even it he or she is not a “good” person? What are some political superpowers and fatal flaws observed in good, great, bad, and evil leaders? Based on a decade of writing psychological assessments of World Leaders for National Security, retired CIA psychologist and lifelong Chautauquan Dr. Ursula Wilder will tackle these questions, using examples of leaders both ancient and modern.

Venue located on Chautauqua Institution grounds; a gate pass is required.