Here is a thought experiment I just conducted on myself: Almost everyone I know is opposed to Mendacity, Arrogance, Greed, and Authoritarianism. What would happen if a group of people who actually support Mendacity, Arrogance, Greed, and Authoritarianism gained political power?
Here is what I discovered.
In every era, political movements arise that claim to champion the people, yet their policies betray an allegiance not to democracy or justice but to mendacity, arrogance, greed, and authoritarianism. Such a party—whether in name or practice—operates under a set of principles that serve its own power rather than the common good. Here are some of the policies and political strategies that define such movements throughout history, demonstrating how each of these four traits manifests in governance, economics, and public discourse.
Mendacity: The Politics of Deception
At the heart of a mendacious political movement is an intentional distortion of truth. Propaganda, misinformation, and outright lies become central tools of governance. Leaders of such a party systematically undermine the credibility of the press, replacing factual reporting with conspiracy theories and state-controlled narratives. Dissenting voices—whether from journalists, academics, or political opponents—are dismissed as “fake news” or “enemies of the people.”
Policy-wise, mendacity appears in bait-and-switch tactics: promises of economic relief that never materialize, assurances of national security while stoking fear, and pledges to restore “traditional values” that serve only to consolidate power. This approach thrives on historical revisionism, where past injustices are rewritten to justify present corruption. In the long run, mendacity erodes public trust in institutions, making it easier to manipulate voters through emotional appeals rather than substantive policies.
Arrogance: The Cult of Infallibility
Arrogance in governance manifests in a refusal to admit mistakes, listen to expert advice, or engage in good-faith debate. Leaders of a party built on arrogance project themselves as infallible saviors, insisting that their instincts matter more than science, data, or democratic deliberation.
This trait often results in anti-intellectualism, where universities, research institutions, and subject-matter experts are ridiculed or defunded. Leaders surround themselves with loyalists rather than qualified professionals, ensuring that decisions are made based on political loyalty rather than competence.
Arrogance also fuels hyper-nationalism and exceptionalism, where the party claims that their nation (or race, or ideology) is superior to all others, justifying reckless policies, military aggression, or isolationism. Instead of constructive diplomacy, they engage in belligerent posturing, leading to unnecessary conflicts at home and abroad.
Greed: The Economics of Exploitation
A party driven by greed prioritizes corporate interests and wealth accumulation over the well-being of the general population. Economic policies are designed to benefit the ruling elite while being framed as “pro-business” or “trickle-down economics.” Tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy, deregulation that benefits polluters and monopolies, and the privatization of essential public services all serve to consolidate wealth at the top.
In such a system, workers’ rights are systematically eroded—unions are broken, wages stagnate, and job security disappears, all while executives and shareholders see record profits. Healthcare, education, and housing are treated as commodities rather than rights, ensuring that only the privileged have access to them.
Greed is further entrenched through corruption and cronyism. Government contracts are awarded not based on merit but on political connections. Public funds are siphoned into private ventures. Campaign finance laws are weakened to allow unlimited corporate donations, ensuring that the wealthy dictate policy.
Authoritarianism: The Suppression of Democracy
To maintain control, a party of mendacity, arrogance, and greed must inevitably resort to authoritarian tactics. Democracy is tolerated only to the extent that it serves their interests—when it does not, it is subverted.
This is achieved through voter suppression, gerrymandering, and the undermining of democratic institutions. Elections are rigged through legal loopholes, opposition candidates are harassed or imprisoned, and judicial systems are stacked with loyalists who rule in favor of the regime.
Free speech is curtailed through censorship laws, surveillance, and intimidation of journalists. Protest movements are met with excessive police force, and dissenters are labeled as traitors, terrorists, or foreign agents.
Internationally, such a party aligns itself with other authoritarian regimes, forming alliances that prioritize power over principles. Human rights abuses are dismissed, and global organizations designed to promote democracy are weakened or ignored.
The endgame is a hollowed-out democracy.
The combination of Mendacity, Arrogance, Greed, and Authoritarianism does not merely corrupt political parties—it corrodes the very foundations of society. Citizens grow cynical, institutions become dysfunctional, and democracy becomes an empty shell. Inequality skyrockets, civil liberties erode, and the rule of law is replaced with the rule of power.
However, history shows that such regimes do not last forever. Over time, the contradictions of their rule—economic instability, public resentment, and internal power struggles—lead to their downfall. The question is not if they will collapse, but how much damage they will inflict before they do.
The antidote to this kind of politics is an informed and engaged public that values truth over propaganda, humility over arrogance, justice over greed, and democracy over authoritarianism. The real test of any society is whether it has the courage to reject these corrosive forces before it is too late.
Debbie and I serve as the FMI Global Associate Director for MENACA and Europe. We focus on cultivating disciples, leaders, and church planting movements.
