Primate

Abstract

“Primate” delves into evolutionary biology and primatology to unearth the psychological roots of human leadership as they apply to the case of President Donald J. Trump. In broad terms, evolved patterns of human leadership follow one of two forms. The older form, dominance leadership, traces back over 7 million years to our common ancestor with chimpanzees. The latter form, prestige leadership, traces back about 1 million years or so, reflecting our evolution as hunters and gatherers living in migrating groups. More than any president in American history, Trump personifies the pure dominance leader. The chapter documents the uncanny similarities between the behavior of alpha male chimpanzees and the leadership style of President Donald Trump. Dominance leaders rely upon force, bluffing, intimidation, and the power of their presence, whereas prestige leaders rely upon expertise and the promulgation of a narrative to justify authority. This characterization recalls the central thesis of the book: Donald Trump is a man without a story.