The British History Podcast Bonus Episode: The Authoritarians
Jan 8, 2026
Dive into the world of authoritarians, exploring the intriguing dynamics of power and resistance. Learn how modern theories can illuminate medieval societies and reshape our understanding of chivalry as a cultural force. Discover Bob Altemeyer’s insights on authoritarian traits and the psychology behind follower behavior. Engaging simulations showcase the impact of authority on group dynamics and conflict. The podcast also highlights the tension between ethics and profit, revealing how dominators can drive dangerous competition.
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Use Modern Theory Carefully On History
- Modern psychological theories can be responsibly applied to understand past societies like chivalry with humility and caution.
- Jamie urges comparison while recognizing limits and avoiding rigid conclusions when mapping modern tools to historical people.
Altemeyer's Measurable Authoritarian Profile
- Bob Altemeyer developed measurable scales to identify 'right-wing authoritarianism' and its followers using surveys and experiments.
- His work separates follower traits from leaders and focuses on testable psychosocial patterns rather than moralizing labels.
Follower Traits: Submission, Aggression, Conventionalism
- Authoritarian followers score high on submission to authority, aggression in authority's name, conventionalism, and prejudice toward movable out-groups.
- These traits form a flexible prejudice machinery tied to whichever hegemonic authority dominates a society.
