Cult of Personality in Political Psychology (discipline)

The "Cult of Personality" in political psychology refers to a situation where a leader uses mass media, propaganda, and charismatic rhetoric to create an idealized and heroic image of themselves. This image often emphasizes personal qualities over policies or collective ideals, encouraging strong emotional connections among followers. Such leaders may manipulate public perception to maintain power, fostering devotion that can overshadow rational critique. Historical examples include figures like Stalin and Mao, where the leader's personality becomes central to the political identity, often leading to authoritarianism and suppression of dissent.