Lecture Notes: The Rules for Rulers

Introduction

• Central Theme: Understanding political power and the rules that govern rulers.
• Key Question: Why do rulers act in selfish, short-sighted ways?

The Nature of Power

• Key Insight: No ruler governs alone; power comes from getting others to act on their behalf.
• Keys to Power: Essential supporters like generals, bureaucrats, and leaders.

Rules for Rulers

Rule 1: Gain Key Supporters

• Rulers must have key supporters to enact changes and maintain power.
• In a dictatorship, fewer keys are needed; in democracies, many are needed.

Rule 2: Control the Treasure

• Resource Management: Rulers must manage resources to maintain loyalty among key supporters.
• Benevolent Intentions vs. Reality: Spending on citizens can weaken a ruler's power, as rivals can exploit unspent resources.

Rule 3: Minimize Key Supporters

• Efficiency: Keep only necessary supporters; unnecessary supporters are wasteful.
• Post-Coup Strategy: Purge some allies and work with previous regime's supporters.

Dictatorships vs. Democracies

Dictatorships

• Loyalty and Violence: Fewer supporters required; attracts ruthless individuals.
• Resource Allocation: Dictatorships focus on immediate loyalty rather than public good.

Democracies

• Power Fracture: Power is more distributed, requiring negotiation among many.
• Voting Blocks: Treat citizens as blocks (e.g., homeowners, elderly) to manage and reward.
• Corruption as a Tool: Favor influential individuals indirectly to maintain power.

Taxes and Revolts

Taxation

• Democratic Taxation: Lower taxes due to productive citizens and voting incentives.
• Dictatorial Taxation: Higher equivalent taxes through direct wealth appropriation.

Revolts

• Productive Citizenry: Democracies align ruler incentives with citizen productivity.
• Resource-rich Dictatorships: Tend to be stable but provide poor living conditions.
• Revolts and Coups: Usually orchestrated by those in power rather than citizens.

Conclusion

• Understanding Politics: These rules apply to all forms of leadership, from dictators to corporate leaders.
• Zeroth Rule: Without power, change is impossible; better you in power with good intentions.

Final Thoughts

• Be aware of the structures of power and their influence on policies and decisions.
• Reflect on the ethical implications of wielding power and the potential to "be different."