ABSTRACT
In this chapter, Otto Kernberg differentiates narcissistic personality disorders from malignant narcissism and the narcissistic personality. Narcissistic personalities lack internal representatives of people important to them. They are lonely and need continual admiration, plus they also need continual excitement. They have infantile value systems and want to be admired for their possessions, not for their character, and are excessively competitive and envious. Those with a personality disorder have serious problems in work and social relations. Malignant narcissists are extremely aggressive and want power and control. They have deteriorated ethics. Narcissistic leaders create regressed groups with a common ideology who identify with each other and who let the leader determine their moral responsibility. Kernberg doesn’t believe in diagnosing living politicians not seen personally, in contrast to historical leaders like Hitler and Stalin, whom he terms malignant narcissists. Donald Trump should not be diagnosed, but he should be judged on his political behavior. Trump does, however, employ techniques used by Hitler, such as repeating basic phrases, such as “crooked Hillary,” “lock her up,” “clean the swamp,” “build the wall.” The US is basically an open culture. Trump has caused regressive anti-immigrant attitudes.
