Political Aspects of Physical Abuse in Childhood and Adolescence

Physical maltreatment during childhood and adolescence can induce psychological abnormalities, in particular, paranoid ideation, in genetically predisposed, neurotic or initially healthy individuals. Psychopathological approach to politics is successful if it identifies leaders with impaired mental competence. Certain war instigators have been paranoid in their tendency to attack delusional goals. Repressed shame may contribute to aggression. Reasoning and negotiations with paranoiacs are unpromising. An attempt is made here to apply psychopathology to Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine. Mental derangements in politicians are dangerous and must be diagnosed on the basis of speech, writings, and behavior. More expert opinion is needed.