#230 - Dr Brian Klaas on Corruptible: Who Gets Power And How It Changes Us

Does power corrupt? Or do those prone to corruption end up in power? It's an age-old question answered by Dr Brian Klaas in his brand new book "Corruptible: Who Gets Power And How It Changes Us". I was lucky enough to get a copy and read the book over Christmas. In the middle of a world in which I have witnessed politicians do horrendous damage as they try to help, I have often wondered whether it is corruption, malice, or incompetence that leads them to make decisions that can negatively impact the lives of thousands or even millions of people. After reading this book I've changed my beliefs somewhat - I am more sympathetic for the position that our leaders are in, though that may not excuse their actions. Dr. Klaas is an expert on democracy, authoritarianism, US foreign policy, American politics more generally, political violence, and elections. He is the author of three other books: "The Despot's Apprentice: Donald Trump's Attack on Democracy", "The Despot's Accomplice: How the West is Aiding & Abetting the Decline of Democracy," and "How to Rig an Election". He has extensive research experience working in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the United States. Dr. Klaas has conducted field research in six different countries, interviewing prime ministers, presidents, ministers, rebels, coup plotters, dissidents, and torture victims in an array of countries, including Madagascar, Thailand, Tunisia, Belarus, Côte d'Ivoire, and Zambia. Corruptible: Who Gets Power And How It Changes Us - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/6492/9781529338089 https://www.ucl.ac.uk/european-international-social-political-studies/people/dr-brian-klaas https://www.newstatesman.com/encounter/2022/01/brian-klaas-on-why-we-choose-the-wrong-leaders https://twitter.com/brianklaas https://brianpklaas.com/about HELP ME CROWDFUND MY GAMESTOP BOOK. Go to https://wen-moon.com to join the crowdfunding campaign and pre-order To The Moon: The GameStop Saga! If you haven’t already and you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and our mailing list, and don’t forget, my book, Brexit: The Establishment Civil War, is now out, you’ll find the links in the description below. NIIN Tobacco Pouches - https://www.instagram.com/niinpouches/ Ohio Hauntings and Legends Podcast - https://ohiohl.com/ Watch Us On Odysee.com - https://odysee.com/$/invite/@TheJist:4 Sign up and watch videos to earn crypto-currency! Buy Brexit: The Establishment Civil War - https://amzn.to/39XXVjq Mailing List - https://www.getrevue.co/profile/thejist Twitter - https://twitter.com/Give_Me_TheJist Website - https://thejist.co.uk/ Music from Just Jim – https://soundcloud.com/justjim