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“Power Lies Trembling: a three-book review” by Richard_Ngo
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.
27:11
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Quick takeaways
- Military coups can be understood as coordination games where perceptions and expectations about winning sides often dictate their success rather than mere popularity or strategy.
- Effective management of public information and control of narratives are crucial for revolutionaries, as they can significantly influence the legitimacy and support behind a coup.
Deep dives
Understanding Coups as Coordination Games
Military coups are dynamic events that can be understood through the lens of coordination games, where military officers prioritize aligning with the winning side to ensure their survival. This perspective challenges traditional views that frame coups as either elections or battles. Instead of simply relying on popular support or strategic military maneuvers, the success of a coup often hinges on the perceptions and expectations of key players about which side appears to be winning. For example, even deeply unpopular dictators may maintain power when potential coup participants anticipate others will support the existing regime, creating a stable equilibrium that thwarts attempts for change.
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