Leaders and Their Followers in a Dangerous World: The Psychology of Political Behavior

We are currently using this book as a source for my political psychology class. It has been extremely helpful in understanding the background of some of the "terrorist" leaders in the world. It shows the background of these leaders and that they are not all psychopathic monsters but have some reason to their decisions. This book is a must have for all people hoping to understand the complex situations and people that the United States is involved with.

Dr. Post give a lot of books in one. Terrorism, ethnic violence, political profiles, are addressed brilliantly in an educational way.

A rare work combining fascinating historical, political and psychological analyses of leadership and the leaders shaping our world. Dr. Post has the unusual ability to present his deep and important psychological insights in a jargon free style, making this powerful work accessible to both professional and non-professional readers.

I highly recommend Leaders and Their Followers in a Dangerous World. It is an important,informative work - written in a most readable style. Dr.Jerrold Post is a pioneer (arguably,the best) in the field of psychological profiling and the practical application of personality assessment. The reader is presented with both the finished analytical product (the collection of profiles includes Fidel Castro, Saddam Hussein, North Korea's Kim Jong Il) and the tools employed in crafting their images. From Pres. Carter's administration (at the Camp David Summit) to the present, Post's expert ability to assess the motivation and mental makeup of our friends and adversaries has been an effective tool used by key players in Government. Dr. Post served as an expert witness at the trial of the al Qaeda terrorists who were convicted in the bombings of the American Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. He lays out a good deal of information not widely known about al Qaeda training and its methods. His dispassionate, analytical discussion of Osama bin Laden and his organization is chilling. Dr. Post's work will be read many times over by those who understand the importance of viewing and dealing with conflict by first attempting to see the situation through the eyes and mind of their opponents.