The Modern Tyrant: Authoritarian Leadership in Theory and Practice

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Haig Patapan (Professor in the School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University, Australia.)

The Modern Tyrant

Name: The Modern Tyrant
Price: 200 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock
ISBN: 9781399556200

Authoritarian Leadership in Theory and Practice

Haig Patapan (Professor in the School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University, Australia.)

$200

Hardback

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English

Edinburgh University Press
31 March 2026

Political science & theory; Political leaders & leadership; Political structures: totalitarianism & dictatorship

Series: Edinburgh Studies in Comparative Political Theory and Intellectual History

The Modern Tyrant argues that modern authoritarian leaders resemble classical tyrants but are distinctive in three ways: their ambitions for wealth and glory are shaped by modernity (especially nationalism, religion and ideology); their techniques are novel, combining authoritarian and democratic forms, and finally, they are much more powerful, able to exploit modern propaganda techniques and technology to enhance their control and dominance.

By: Haig Patapan (Professor in the School of Government and International Relations Griffith University Australia.)
Imprint: Edinburgh University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781399556200
ISBN 10: 1399556207
Series: Edinburgh Studies in Comparative Political Theory and Intellectual History
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 31 March 2026
Audience: College/higher education , Further / Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Haig Patapan is a Professor in the School of Government and International Relations at Griffith University. His research examines the theory and practice of democracy. He is the author of Modern Philosopher Kings (EUP 2023).

Reviews for The Modern Tyrant: Authoritarian Leadership in Theory and Practice

Haig Patapan’s most recent book, The Modern Tyrant, is one of the most significant recent contributions to the leadership literature. It’s a must read for anyone with a serious interest in leadership, especially, though not exclusively, in politics. Patapan’s book is deeply rooted in the classics, but it is, alas, completely contemporary in its application. Buy it. Keep it. -- Barbara Kellerman, Harvard University