Episode #165
#165 - Bruce Bueno de Mesquita (Selectorate Theory Political Power Democracy Dictatorship Leadership Incentives Winning Coalition)
Why do some leaders invest in schools, hospitals, and economic growth while others enrich a small inner circle? Why do dictators often survive despite poor economic performance? And what really determines whether governments act in the public interest? In this episode of Bendiksen Airways , I speak with political scientist , one of the world's leading experts on political power and co-author of The Dictator's Handbook . We explore Selectorate Theory—a framework that argues leaders stay in power by satisfying the coalition of supporters they depend on, whether in democracies, dictatorships, businesses, or other organizations. We discuss how the size of a leader's winning coalition shapes decision-making, public policy, corruption, war, foreign aid, and institutional design. We also examine whether democracy naturally produces better outcomes, how political systems can become more accountable, and what Selectorate Theory can tell us about today's geopolitical challenges. This conversation offers a powerful lens through which to understand why leaders behave the way they do—and why political incentives often matter more than ideology. Lyst til å støtte Bendiksen Airways? Gi podcasten ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ og trykk "Følg" på Spotify eller der du hører podcaster – det hjelper enormt! Du kan også støtte direkte via Vipps : 95992 088 Hold kontakten med Alexander: Twitter/X: @AlexBendiksen Facebook: Alexander Bendiksen Tusen takk for at du lytter – du er en del av reisen!
