The Art of Manliness Shakespeare on How Leaders Rise, Rule, and Fall
Eliot Cohen, a military historian and political scientist, dives into Shakespeare's insights on power dynamics. He explores how the Bard’s histories reveal the complexities of acquiring, exercising, and losing power. Cohen draws parallels between Shakespearean characters like Coriolanus and historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, illustrating the moral ambiguities of ambition. The discussion highlights leadership challenges in both literature and modern contexts, showing how Shakespeare's narratives remain relevant in today's political landscape.
51:20
Inspiration for "The Hollow Crown"
- Eliot Cohen's experience in Washington, D.C., observing powerful figures rise and fall, inspired his book The Hollow Crown.
- He saw people "swimming on a sea of glory" only to have their pride break, leading to their downfall, mirroring Cardinal Wolsey's speech in Henry VIII.
Shakespeare's insights on power dynamics
- Shakespeare's plays offer insights into power dynamics applicable beyond politics, relevant to business, personal lives, and any hierarchical organization.
- Cohen suggests viewing organizations as "courts" with kings, courtiers, and jesters to understand their internal power dynamics.
Shakespeare's Influence on Historical Figures
- Abraham Lincoln, a Shakespeare enthusiast, found particular resonance in Macbeth, even quoting a chilling passage days before his assassination.
- Winston Churchill also loved Shakespeare, reportedly reciting lines along with actors during performances, as recounted by Richard Burton.
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Intro
00:00 • 5min
Shakespearean Leadership in Modern Contexts
05:09 • 16min
Cunning and Legitimacy in Shakespearean Leadership
21:04 • 2min
Shakespeare on Ambition and Power
23:16 • 10min
The Consequences of Seizing Power in Shakespeare
33:06 • 2min
Exploring Leadership, Management, and Command
34:37 • 3min
Leadership Dynamics in Shakespeare
37:10 • 17min
Exploring Leadership Through Literature
54:02 • 3min
Henry IV, Part 2
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William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part 2" is a historical drama that delves into the complexities of power, ambition, and mortality. The play follows the reign of King Henry IV and the challenges he faces from his rebellious son, Prince Hal, and other political rivals. Shakespeare's masterful use of language, character development, and dramatic irony creates a compelling and enduring work. Themes of legacy, responsibility, and the human condition are explored through the play's intricate plot and memorable characters. "Henry IV, Part 2" remains a significant contribution to English literature and continues to resonate with audiences today.
Henry IV, Part 2
null
William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part 2" is a historical drama that delves into the complexities of power, ambition, and mortality. The play follows the reign of King Henry IV and the challenges he faces from his rebellious son, Prince Hal, and other political rivals. Shakespeare's masterful use of language, character development, and dramatic irony creates a compelling and enduring work. Themes of legacy, responsibility, and the human condition are explored through the play's intricate plot and memorable characters. "Henry IV, Part 2" remains a significant contribution to English literature and continues to resonate with audiences today.
The tempest
William Shakespeare
The Tempest, written around 1610-1611, is one of Shakespeare's last solo works. The play revolves around Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, who was usurped by his brother Antonio and left to die at sea with his infant daughter Miranda. They survive and find refuge on a remote island, where Prospero masters magic and enslaves the native Caliban and the spirit Ariel. When a ship carrying his enemies passes by, Prospero conjures a tempest to bring them ashore. The play explores themes of magic, betrayal, revenge, and forgiveness as Prospero manipulates the shipwrecked characters to rectify past wrongs and ultimately forgives them. The story also includes the romance between Ferdinand, the King of Naples' son, and Miranda, and ends with Prospero's decision to return to Milan and reclaim his dukedom[2][3][5].
Henry V
The Astonishing Triumph of England's Greatest Warrior King
Dan Jones
This book by Dan Jones provides a thorough and engaging biography of Henry V, delving into his early life, his apprenticeship in warfare and politics, and his subsequent reign. Jones challenges the traditional dichotomy between the young 'Hal' and the mature King Henry, portraying them as a single, consistent individual. The book details Henry's military campaigns, including the Battle of Agincourt, his diplomatic achievements, and the complexities of his legacy. Written in the present tense, the narrative offers an immediate and intimate look at the life of this historical titan, highlighting both his brilliant leadership and the mistakes he made[2][3][5].
All the king's men
Robert Penn Warren
The novel follows the story of Willie Stark, a governor modeled after Huey 'Kingfish' Long, as he rises from poverty to become a powerful political figure in the Deep South. The narrative is intertwined with the life of Jack Burden, a political reporter who becomes Stark's right-hand man. As Stark's career unfolds, he transitions from an honest idealist to a corrupt demagogue, highlighting the corrupting influence of power. The novel also delves into philosophical and moral questions, exploring the consequences of actions and the search for redemption. Through Jack Burden's narrative, the book examines the complexities of human nature and the impact of political ambition on individuals and society[2][4][5].
Coriolanus
William Shakespeare
The play follows Caius Martius, later known as Coriolanus, a Roman general who is celebrated for his military prowess but despises the common people. After being nominated for consul, he is unable to win the people's vote due to his arrogance and contempt for them. This leads to his banishment from Rome, after which he allies with his former enemy, Tullus Aufidius, to attack Rome. However, his mother Volumnia persuades him to spare the city, leading to his betrayal by Aufidius and his eventual death. The play explores themes of power, masculinity, honor, and the complexities of political life in ancient Rome.
Macbeth
Imdad Hussain
William Shakespeare
Macbeth is a tragedy that explores themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of sin. The play follows Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, and his wife Lady Macbeth as they navigate a complex web of prophecy, murder, and political intrigue. The witches' prophecy sets off a chain of events that leads to the downfall of Macbeth and the restoration of order in Scotland. The play is known for its dark and haunting atmosphere, its exploration of the human psyche, and its commentary on the nature of tragedy and the human condition[1][4].
Richard III
William Shakespeare
The play, part of Shakespeare's 'first tetralogy,' depicts Richard's ruthless ambition and his use of deception, manipulation, and violence to become King Richard III. After the death of his brother, King Edward IV, Richard orchestrates the deaths of his nephews, court noblemen, and other opposition to secure the throne. His reign is marked by terror and eventually leads to his downfall when Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, challenges his claim and defeats him at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Richmond then becomes King Henry VII, ending the Wars of the Roses and starting the Tudor dynasty[3][4][2].
King Lear
William Shakespeare
King Lear, written by William Shakespeare around 1604-1606, is a tragedy that follows the story of King Lear, who decides to retire and divide his kingdom among his three daughters: Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. The division is based on the eloquence of their declarations of love for him. However, Lear's youngest and favorite daughter, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him and is disinherited. The play unfolds with Lear's descent into madness, the betrayal by his elder daughters, and the subplot involving the Earl of Gloucester and his sons. Ultimately, the play ends in tragedy with the deaths of Lear, Cordelia, and several other main characters, highlighting themes of deception, power, and the consequences of poor judgment[1][2][5].
Julius Caesar
William Shakespeare
The play, written in 1599, explores themes of political power, honor, and fate versus free will. It centers around the conspiracy led by Brutus and Cassius to assassinate Julius Caesar, fearing his rise to power could lead to tyranny. The play delves into the moral dilemmas faced by its characters and the consequences of their actions, culminating in a civil war. The characters, including Brutus, Cassius, and Mark Antony, represent different facets of political ideology and personal conviction. The play is known for its iconic lines and its enduring relevance in examining the dynamics of power and political decisions[1][2][5].
Richard II
William Shakespeare
Written around 1595-1596, *Richard II* is the first play in Shakespeare's second 'history tetralogy.' The play follows the downfall of King Richard II, who is depicted as an extravagant and self-indulgent ruler. Richard's poor governance, including his wasteful spending, seizure of noble lands, and involvement in the murder of his uncle Thomas of Woodstock, leads to widespread discontent. His cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, returns from exile to reclaim his inheritance and eventually deposes Richard. The play culminates with Richard's abdication, imprisonment, and eventual murder, marking the beginning of Henry IV's reign. The story is set against the backdrop of English history in the late 14th century and explores themes of power, loyalty, and the complexities of royal rule.
Supreme Command
Eliot Cohen
In *Supreme Command*, Eliot A. Cohen argues that great statesmen do not leave wars entirely to their generals. Instead, they actively engage with military leaders, questioning and driving them to achieve strategic goals. The book explores how these statesmen successfully managed military campaigns by being deeply involved in the details of war planning. Cohen's thesis challenges the traditional view that civilians should step back once military objectives are set, advocating for a more integrated approach to wartime leadership.
The Hollow Crown
Shakespeare on How Leaders Rise, Rule, and Fall
Eliot A. Cohen
In *The Hollow Crown*, Eliot A. Cohen uses Shakespeare's plays to provide insights into the dynamics of power and leadership. He draws parallels between Shakespearean characters and historical figures, offering a unique perspective on how leaders acquire, exercise, and lose power. The book is particularly relevant for those interested in international relations and great-power politics.
When people think of the plays of Shakespeare, they tend to think of his comedies and tragedies that spotlight interpersonal dynamics like love and jealousy, pretense and reality. But my guest would say that many of Shakepeare's plays, especially his sometimes overlooked histories, are also unmatchable in revealing the dynamics of power.
Eliot Cohen is a military historian, political scientist, professor of international studies, and former State Department counselor, as well as the author of The Hollow Crown: Shakespeare on How Leaders Rise, Rule, and Fall. Today on the show Eliot takes us through what Shakepeare's plays can teach us about navigating the three-part arc of power: acquiring power, exercising power, and losing power. Along the way, we discuss how these lessons in leadership played out in the lives of real-life historical figures as well.
Resources Related to the Podcast
- Plays discussed:
- AoM Podcast #853: The Real Rules of Power
- AoM Podcast #792: How Power Corrupts
- AoM Article: A Lesson From TR & Taft on Pursuing a Life You Like
- AoM Article: There Is No Indispensable Man
- Robert Caro's biographical series on LBJ
- All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren
- Supreme Command: Soldiers, Statesmen, and Leadership in Wartime by Eliot Cohen
Connect With Elliot Cohen
