Alastair Smith

Alastair Smith, a political science professor at NYU and co-author of "The Dictator’s Handbook," delves into the dark yet fascinating world of dictators. He discusses how these leaders maintain power, often at the expense of their citizens. Alastair explains the paradox of bad behavior being effective in politics and highlights the detrimental impacts of foreign aid on democratization. He also examines the psychological strategies dictators use to control their populations and questions the potential for reforming our own governments based on these insights.

In this intriguing discussion, guest Alastair Smith, a political science professor at NYU and co-author of "The Dictator's Handbook," delves into the mechanics behind dictators' rise and retention of power. He explains how foreign aid often empowers these regimes rather than helping citizens, and why bad behavior can lead to political success. Smith also critiques the complexities of U.S. foreign aid and its unintended consequences, all while addressing the stark realities faced by those living under authoritarian rule.