Putin’s Potential: Is Putin a Malignant Narcissist? Part 2
whatshot 8 snips
Mar 17, 2022
The discussion dives into Putin's actions, evaluating his possible malignant narcissism. Bill and Megan analyze historical behaviors tied to his aggression in Ukraine and previous conflicts. They explore how his unyielding nature makes him a unique threat among leaders. Zelensky's handling of the situation is praised, while NATO's response receives scrutiny. The impact of graphic news on mental health is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of managing exposure. Listeners gain insight into dangerous leadership dynamics and the psychological factors at play.
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insights INSIGHT
How Malignant Narcissism Operates
Malignant narcissism combines narcissism, antisocial traits, paranoia, and sadism into a progressively worsening personality pattern.
Bill Eddy argues Putin fits this pattern and acts predictably by targeting weaker neighbors and ignoring civilian harm.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Historical Pattern: Chechnya And Georgia
Bill Eddy recounts Putin's prior wars in Chechnya and Georgia as precedents for current tactics in Ukraine.
He notes Putin previously demolished cities and showed little concern for civilian casualties.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Stop Them, Don’t Rely On Sanctions Alone
Do not expect malignant narcissists to stop themselves; they usually cease only when physically stopped.
Bill Eddy recommends protecting targets (like Ukraine) rather than threatening the aggressor's existence.
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Putin hasn’t stopped, as we predicted, and it doesn’t look like he’s going to stop. Is that because he’s backed into a corner? Because he’s trying to save face? Or because his malignant narcissism (yes, that means his narcissism grows over time) won’t allow him to stop?
Bill and Megan continue their discussion about what has become one of the worst disasters not only in modern times but in all recorded history, driven by a man who is willing to do what 99.9999% of the rest of the world would never do. In our work we teach that high conflict people do things that 90% of other people would never do. In this case, it’s even more extreme. Although there are other malignant narcissists as political leaders across the globe, he’s the only one engaging in actions that 99.9999% of other people would never do.
Listen as Bill and Megan discuss:
what makes a malignant narcissist and whether Putin fits the description (although we’re not diagnosing him)
what stops a malignant narcissist
whether Ukraine’s President Zelensky handling Putin’s narcissism in the correct manner
whether NATO and other nations are handling Putin’s narcissism in the correct manner
Bill’s book Why We Elect Narcissists and Sociopaths and How We Can Stop written in 2019 (he’s not different now in 2022, he’s just worse)
the fantasy triad and whether/how it applies in this escalation
how much of this bad news is harmful for us to watch
It’s All Your Fault: High Conflict People