Authoritarian leaders and self-control by their population

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Political Psychology

Background:

• Brain networks supporting self-control are adaptable through learning and stimulation, often via enhanced neural connectivity.
• Authoritarianism is linked to cognitive rigidity, but a causal relationship where authoritarianism causes rigidity is not established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To hypothesize that authoritarianism negatively impacts conflict resolution, a key mechanism for improving control network connectivity.
• To propose that this reduced connectivity may lead to impairments in cognitive and emotional control, potentially lowering IQ and self-control.

Main Methods:

• The study proposes a hypothetical mechanism linking authoritarianism to reduced self-control.
• It suggests future research could test this by examining populations before and after the implementation of authoritarian governments, looking for predicted declines in conflict resolution, educational attainment, or IQ.

Main Results:

• The paper provides a theoretical mechanism for how authoritarian rule might affect brain function and self-control.
• It posits that authoritarian leaders could induce a loss of self-control in individuals within their countries.

Conclusions:

• Authoritarianism may reduce opportunities for conflict resolution, essential for maintaining healthy brain control networks.
• This mechanism could explain observed deficits in cognitive and emotional control under authoritarian regimes, necessitating further empirical investigation.