“Power Lies Trembling: a three-book review” by Richard_Ngo

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Feb 26, 2025

Richard Ngo, an insightful author and thinker, delves into the sociology of military coups and social dynamics. He paints coups as rare supernovae that reveal the underlying forces of society, particularly through Naunihal Singh's research on Ghana. Ngo discusses how preference falsification shapes societal behavior, especially in racial discrimination, and emphasizes the importance of expressing true beliefs. The conversation also touches on Kierkegaard's ideas, contrasting different forms of faith and their roles in uniting individuals for collective action.

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INSIGHT

Coups as Coordination Games

Coups can be viewed as coordination games, where military officers prioritize joining the winning side.
This explains why unpopular dictators can retain power and why symbolic targets are important.

INSIGHT

Making a Fact in Coups

In coups, managing public information is crucial for creating self-fulfilling common knowledge ("making a fact").
Broadcasting claims of victory, even if false, can sway the outcome by influencing perceptions of who will win.

ANECDOTE

Making a Fact in Meetings

Taking charge in social settings can establish your leadership.
Richard Ngo illustrates how confidently expressing support in meetings can create a sense of consensus, even if most disagree.

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Fear and trembling

Søren Kierkegaard

Søren Kierkegaard's 'Fear and Trembling' is a philosophical exploration of faith and the ethical dilemmas it presents. The work centers on the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, examining the conflict between ethical demands and religious faith. Kierkegaard argues that true faith requires a leap of faith, a suspension of ethical considerations in favor of absolute commitment to God. The book's profound insights into the nature of faith and the individual's relationship with God have had a lasting impact on religious thought and existentialism. Kierkegaard's work challenges readers to confront the complexities of faith and to grapple with the ultimate questions of existence.

Private Truths, Public Lies

Timur Kuran

In *Private Truths, Public Lies*, Timur Kuran argues that preference falsification—the act of misrepresenting one's wants under perceived social pressures—is ubiquitous and has profound social and political consequences. Drawing on diverse intellectual traditions, Kuran provides a unified theory of how preference falsification shapes collective decisions, orients structural change, sustains social stability, distorts human knowledge, and conceals political possibilities. The book explores various social phenomena, including the fall of communism, the caste system in India, and affirmative action in the United States, highlighting how minor events can trigger massive and unanticipated changes when public support for a policy or regime is largely contrived[1][3][4].

Seizing Power

The Strategic Logic of Military Coups

Naunihal Singh

Naunihal Singh's "Seizing Power" delves into the complexities of military coups, drawing on extensive research. The book analyzes the strategic motivations behind coup attempts, examining factors such as political instability and military grievances. Singh's work utilizes a unique blend of qualitative and quantitative methods, incorporating interviews with coup participants and statistical analysis of historical data. The book offers valuable insights into the dynamics and consequences of military interventions in governance, providing a comprehensive understanding of this critical aspect of global politics. It challenges conventional wisdom and offers a nuanced perspective on the causes and effects of military coups.