Chapter 9 - Richard III

Summary

The play Richard III represents a thought experiment that brilliantly demonstrates the interdependence of the individual and social context. The potential dictator can only leap to power if and when the springboard to dictatorship becomes available. But as Stalin, Hitler, and many other cases attest, the potential dictator can become active and effective in manufacturing the springboard to dictatorship. Richard achieves this task step by step, starting by transforming the context of “peace” that does not suit him. He commits himself to creating a context of chaos, distrust, threats, deception, and violence. Richard is particularly effective at manipulating religion in order to help manufacture the springboard to dictatorship, which he uses to leap to power. The alliance of Richard with religious authority reflects the historic tendency for authoritarian strongmen to gain the support of certain religious groups.