Chautauqua Speaks

Heroes and Villains: Psychology of World Leaders

Lecture Description:

Have you ever pondered if famed political leaders were primarily chosen by historical events and therefore primarily driven by their contexts, or do such leaders possess unique characteristics that would drive them to seize glory and power and to leave their mark on history in any era? Why are some leaders called “the Great” by popular acclaim (Alexander, Genghis, Peter, Catherine, Fredrick) and why have some become archetypes of leadership (Caesar, Elizabeth 1) while others sink into obscurity? Is it possible to consider a person a “great” leader even it he or she is not a “good” person? What are some political superpowers and fatal flaws observed in good, great, bad, and evil leaders? Based on a decade of writing psychological assessments of World Leaders for National Security, retired CIA psychologist and lifelong Chautauquan Dr. Ursula Wilder will tackle these questions, using examples of leaders both ancient and modern.

SPEAKER BIO:

Distinguished Clinical Psychologist Dr. Ursula M. Wilder retired in 2025 from the Central Intelligence Agency after 28 years of service. She was the first woman psychologist elevated to the Senior Intelligence Service in CIA’s history, and over the course of her career was awarded numerous commendations and medals for her work in analysis (of world leaders), in field operations (after 9/11), academic writing and publishing, and in her work providing psychological care to intelligence officers and agents. Dr. Wilder currently teaches graduate courses at Georgetown University as a Senior Fellow and is a Professor of the Practice at Texas A&M University. She is a fifth-generation property owner at Chautauqua, where she spent her childhood and college summers, and now spends her retirement summers on the grounds.

Venue located on Chautauqua Institution grounds; a gate pass is required.