The quote suggests that individuals who lead successful guerrilla movements often possess traits such as paranoia and ruthlessness, which help them survive and triumph under extreme conditions. However, once these leaders gain power and move into governance roles, society expects them to adopt a completely different set of characteristics—tolerance, compromise, and humility—which are necessary for effective leadership in peacetime.
On a deeper level, this quote raises questions about the nature of transformation and adaptability among leaders who have risen through conflict. It implies that the qualities that make someone successful during wartime may not be the same ones required for peaceful governance. The contrast between being paranoid and ruthless versus being tolerant and humble highlights the significant challenge in transitioning from a combatant to a statesman or administrator. This shift requires not just a change in behavior but also an overhaul of mindset, which is often difficult for individuals who have been hardened by years of conflict.
Stephen Kinzer is an American journalist known for his extensive reporting on foreign affairs and Latin America. He has written several books that delve into the intricacies of political leadership and the impacts of U.S. foreign policy around the world. His expertise in these areas lends credibility to this observation about leaders who face the daunting task of adapting their wartime personas to fit the demands of peacetime governance.
