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Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies - European University Institute

Indispensable leaders | Erik Jones

Are some leaders indispensable? Is Donald Trump the only one who can make America ‘great again’? Is Putin the saviour of Russia? In this Schuman Short, Erik Jones, Director of the Robert Schuman Centre, talks about ‘indispensable leadership’ and its effects on institutions.

22 October 2024 | Research - Video

In today’s political landscape, many leaders attempt to portray themselves as indispensable in order to maintain their power. This self-serving narrative can cause serious harm to the institutions they govern, undermining their stability.

Erik Jones, Director of the Schuman Centre, argues that this mindset can be countered by fostering collective action and supporting leaders who prioritise the strength of institutions over personal power.

“It is also necessary to restore the norms that prevent our politics from being captured”, continues Jones. “The norm that no leader can be indispensable is first among them”.

Read the full article by Professor Jones on the topic: 'The weakness of indispensable leaders'.

This video is part of the Schuman Shorts playlist, available on our YouTube channel.

Last update: 22 October 2024

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