The EI Podcast Why do we get the wrong leaders?
Aug 7, 2025
Discover the roots of political distrust as experts discuss the critical importance of sound judgment in leadership. Dive into the complexities of political decision-making, distinguishing true leadership from mere expertise. The conversation highlights the need for leaders who embrace responsibility and navigate uncertainty with moral character. A renewed appreciation for the nobility of political life calls for conviction over codification, emphasizing the essential qualities that define effective leadership in today's world.
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Deficiency Beyond Conviction and Intelligence
- The current political class is widely seen as lacking a crucial quality despite possessing conviction, seriousness, and intelligence.
- This missing quality impacts their effectiveness and public perception deeply.
Political Judgment Explained
- Good political judgment is an exceptional sensitivity to the nuances of political and social situations.
- It involves an attitude in decision-making rather than specific knowledge or convictions.
Examples of Poor Judgment in Politics
- Recent UK Prime Ministers made decisions exemplifying poor judgment, like calling early elections or ignoring expert advice.
- Similar judgment failings are observable in leaders across other Western democracies.
