In our exploration of the relentless drive toward warfare and dominance within the Euro-Atlantic collective, it becomes clear that the roots of such behavior may be deeply psychological. Drawing on the insights of Dr. Niall McLaren, an Australian psychiatrist and author of Narcisso-Fascism: The Psychopathology of Right-Wing Extremism, this article dives into the intersection of individual psychology, narcissism, and the societal phenomenon of fascism. Dr. McLaren’s work offers a compelling lens through which to understand how power dynamics, dominance hierarchies, and pathological narcissism shape not only individual behavior but also the very nature of political regimes and international relations.
Understanding Fascism Beyond Traditional Definitions
Fascism is often misconstrued as merely a form of government akin to socialism or libertarian capitalism, each rooted in economic structures. However, Dr. McLaren reframes fascism as a means of acquiring, consolidating, and maintaining power rather than a fixed political system. As he explains:
“Fascism is simply a means of getting power and consolidating it. The person doesn’t actually have to have much of a program… they just know how to beat the drums and get everybody involved.”
This perspective challenges us to see fascism as a universal political tactic that can decorate any form of government, turning it into a fascist system when power becomes concentrated and unchecked. The key to resisting fascism, therefore, lies in maintaining democratic structures that distribute power evenly and prevent accumulation.
The Role of Narcissism and Dominance in Politics
At the heart of Dr. McLaren’s analysis is the concept of narcissism, which he clarifies is not inherently negative but an extreme on a spectrum of self-regard. Everyone needs a healthy sense of self-esteem, but when this becomes pathological, it manifests as an inflated sense of entitlement and a relentless drive for power.
Dr. McLaren illustrates this through the example of political figures like Donald Trump, who embody the archetype of the narcissistic power-seeker:
“Totally devoid of any talent or interest, but this absolute fascination with power and dominating people… that’s why they’re in politics.”
This narcissistic drive fuels the desire to dominate others and climb social hierarchies, which are deeply ingrained in human behavior across all social institutions—military, religion, academia, and politics alike.
Testosterone and the Biology of Dominance
Biological underpinnings also play a crucial role. The “challenge hypothesis” in biology shows that testosterone surges in response to social challenges, preparing individuals to assert dominance or retreat. This hormonal response is a “feel-good” mechanism, reinforcing dominance behavior and the drive to maintain or gain status.
Dr. McLaren emphasizes that dominance hierarchies are natural and universal among social animals, including humans, where being high in the hierarchy correlates with well-being, while those lower down experience distress. This dynamic explains much of the political competition and societal struggles we observe.
Fascism as an Aesthetic and Social Phenomenon
Fascism is not only political but also aesthetic, often glorifying militarism and masculine power. The carefully crafted imagery of fascist regimes—from uniforms to propaganda posters—serves to reinforce dominance and appeal to the testosterone-driven desire for power and superiority. Dr. McLaren points to the homoerotic aesthetics of fascist military imagery as a deliberate expression of this ethos.
Uniforms and regalia function psychologically to elevate status and enforce conformity within groups. However, some individuals resist these trappings, seeing them as superficial or manipulative tools of power.
The Paradox of Hierarchy and the Perpetuation of Conflict
The struggle for dominance is a double-edged sword. While everyone desires to be dominant, no one wants to be submissive. This paradox fuels ongoing conflict, both within societies and on the international stage. Dr. McLaren critiques traditional international relations theory, particularly the work of John Mearsheimer, who attributes anarchic international relations to external factors alone.
“International relations are anarchic because individual nations are all struggling for local dominance… That’s what homo sapiens does.”
This insight suggests that the anarchic nature of global politics is a direct consequence of human psychological drives, making the quest for dominance a fundamental cause of warfare and instability.
Implications for International Relations and Global Power Structures
The dominance drive not only explains individual behavior but also the behavior of states. The relentless pursuit of local hegemony, the refusal to accept equality, and the desire for total control underpin many conflicts. The example of the Middle East conflict, particularly Israel’s policies, is framed by Dr. McLaren as driven by dominance rather than ideology or justice.
Moreover, the erosion of international law and the rise of a “rules-based international order” controlled by dominant powers reflect this fascist tendency at the state level. Dominant states reject constraints, seeking unipolar control and demanding subordination from others.
Fascism’s Self-Destructive Nature and the Cycle of Violence
Fascism’s insatiable hunger for power inevitably leads to overreach and internal fracturing. Dr. McLaren highlights how fascist regimes create internal enemies to maintain cohesion, leading to purges and paranoia. This internal cannibalism weakens societies and ultimately causes fascism to consume itself.
Yet, history shows that fascism is cyclical, returning in new forms with each generation. This persistent recurrence challenges societies to understand and address the psychological roots of dominance and narcissism to break the cycle.
Addressing the Dominance Drive: Toward a More Stable Society
Given that the drive for dominance is an innate human trait, the question arises: how can societies mitigate its destructive consequences?
- Democratic checks and balances: Ensuring power is distributed and no individual or group can consolidate control is crucial.
- International law and mutual assurances: Nations must provide guarantees of non-aggression to reduce insecurity and the desire for dominance-based preemption.
- Psychological awareness: Recognizing the role of narcissism and dominance in politics can inform better leadership selection and policy-making.
- Rejecting racial and xenophobic ideologies: Understanding that fear of the other is hardwired but must be consciously overcome to prevent racism and genocidal tendencies.
Dr. McLaren warns that ignoring these psychological realities only perpetuates conflict and instability, as seen in ongoing geopolitical tensions and militarization worldwide.
Conclusion: Facing the Fascist Core Within
Dr. Niall McLaren’s integrative analysis offers a profound understanding of how individual psychological traits—particularly pathological narcissism and the drive for dominance—intertwine with societal structures to produce fascism in its many forms. Fascism is not confined to a historical era or specific regime but is a recurring pattern rooted in human nature and political dynamics.
To build more peaceful and equitable societies, it is essential to recognize these forces at work, strengthen democratic institutions, and foster an international order grounded in mutual respect and legal constraints. Only by confronting the fascist core within ourselves and our systems can we hope to break the cycle of dominance, conflict, and destruction.
Further Reading
- Theories in Psychiatry by Niall McLaren
- Natural Dualism and Mental Disorder by Niall McLaren
- Anxiety: Inside Story of Biological Psychiatry by Niall McLaren
- Narcisso-Fascism: The Psychopathology of Right-Wing Extremism by Niall McLaren
- Niall McLaren’s Substack
