Duterte from the Lens of Political Ponerology
The concept of Political Ponerology, developed by Polish psychologist Andrew M. Łobaczewski, is an interdisciplinary study of evil within political structures, exploring how pathological elements can infiltrate and dominate government institutions. Analyzing former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte through this lens provides a framework to understand his authoritarian tendencies, use of fear, and perceived disregard for democratic norms.
1. The Pathological Leadership and Cult of Personality
Political Ponerology suggests that certain leaders exhibit traits aligned with psychopathy, such as a disregard for human life, a lack of empathy, and manipulative behaviors aimed at consolidating power. Duterte’s rhetoric, which often involved promoting violent solutions to societal problems, particularly his “War on Drugs,” is a stark example. His administration reportedly enabled and, in some cases, encouraged extrajudicial killings, resulting in thousands of deaths. The normalization of violence and dehumanization of drug users is a classic feature of ponerogenic processes, where pathological behaviors are framed as necessary for the “greater good.”
Duterte’s charisma and populist appeal helped him cultivate a loyal following, establishing a cult of personality that overshadowed democratic norms. This allegiance allowed him to maintain high levels of public approval despite international condemnation of his human rights record. Ponerology would interpret this cult following as the societal embrace of pathological leadership, where the populace is influenced to rationalize or overlook moral transgressions.
2. Erosion of Democratic Institutions
A key element in Political Ponerology is the gradual corrosion of institutions meant to protect democratic values. Duterte’s administration was marked by perceived attacks on judicial independence, freedom of the press, and dissent. One of the most notable examples was the arrest of prominent journalist Maria Ressa and the shutdown of ABS-CBN, the country’s largest broadcast network, which critics argued were retaliations for critical reporting on the Duterte administration.
This erosion of democratic institutions aligns with Łobaczewski’s theories, wherein pathological leaders and their inner circle prioritize loyalty over competence, placing allies in strategic positions to control or intimidate independent institutions. Under Duterte, many officials with military backgrounds held key government roles, leading to concerns about the “militarization” of civilian government and an apparent shift toward an authoritarian power structure.
3. Normalization of Violence and Creation of a “Pathocracy”
A pathocracy, as defined by Łobaczewski, is a system of government where individuals with personality disorders (often authoritarian or psychopathic) are in power, promoting an environment where their pathology shapes policy and public attitudes. Duterte’s administration embodied aspects of pathocracy, where law enforcement was often given implicit or explicit permission to act with little accountability, particularly concerning human rights abuses in the drug war.
Political Ponerology suggests that in such regimes, society becomes increasingly desensitized to violence and begins to accept morally questionable policies as part of everyday governance. Under Duterte, the normalization of extrajudicial killings was a stark example of this trend, as many Filipinos came to view his aggressive stance on drugs as justifiable, despite evidence of human rights abuses.
4. Use of Fear as a Control Mechanism
In ponerogenic systems, fear is often employed as a tool to suppress dissent and keep the populace submissive. Duterte’s use of fear was multifaceted, targeting not only alleged drug criminals but also activists, journalists, and political opponents. By creating an atmosphere where dissent could lead to severe consequences, Duterte’s administration restricted civil society’s ability to challenge policies without risking personal safety.
Łobaczewski’s theories explain that this climate of fear suppresses independent thinking and discourages individuals from questioning authority, effectively creating a passive and compliant society. This not only serves the regime’s interests but also isolates opposition groups, making collective resistance more difficult to achieve.
5. The Legacy and Impact on Society
One of the long-term effects of a ponerogenic leader is the societal damage that lingers even after their rule. Duterte’s six years in office left deep scars on the Philippines’ democratic fabric, potentially altering public attitudes toward justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Political Ponerology warns that the impacts of pathocratic leadership can persist for generations, influencing political culture and expectations of leadership.
Many Filipinos are now divided, with some who laud Duterte’s strict approach to crime and others who mourn the erosion of democratic norms. Łobaczewski’s framework suggests that healing from a ponerogenic regime requires a reawakening of moral values, education, and the re-establishment of independent institutions to repair the damage done to society’s ethical and legal standards.
Conclusion
From a Political Ponerology perspective, Duterte’s leadership in the Philippines can be seen as a case study in the dangers of pathological influence on political systems. His approach leveraged fear, charismatic populism, and institutional degradation to build and maintain power, fostering an environment where violence and suppression of dissent became normalized. While his administration ended in 2022, the long-term impact on Philippine society highlights the importance of vigilance, accountability, and democratic resilience to prevent future leaders from exploiting similar ponerogenic dynamics.
