Psychopathology and Politics (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781025934624)

"Psychopathology and Politics" is a foundational work in the field of political psychology, exploring the intricate relationship between individual personality traits and political behavior. Harold D. Lasswell applies clinical psychological methods and life-history analysis to understand why certain individuals are drawn to political power and how their private motives become rationalized in the public sphere.

Lasswell examines the developmental origins of political actors, suggesting that political attitudes and activities are often the result of private tensions and emotional conflicts displaced onto public objects. By utilizing a series of case studies, the work categorizes various political types-such as the agitator and the administrator-and investigates the subconscious drives that fuel their public careers.

As a seminal text that challenged traditional political science paradigms, "Psychopathology and Politics" introduced a more rigorous, behaviorally-oriented approach to the study of governance and leadership. It remains an essential read for scholars of political science, psychology, and sociology, offering deep insights into the human psyche's role in shaping the political landscape.

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Author: Harold D. Lasswell
ISBN-10: 1025934628
ISBN-13: 9781025934624
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Language: English
Published: 02/14/2026
Pages: 302
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.94lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.63d