Lors Bakker-Kalirion/Evaluation of character
Lors Bakker-Kalirion presents a complex and intriguing character for psychological analysis. Born into a highly structured leadership programme, his early development was marked by displacement and cultural estrangement, factors which likely had a significant impact on his identity formation and attachment styles.
Baseline evaluation
From a developmental perspective, Erikson's psychosocial stages provide a useful framework. Lors' early evacuation and subsequent upbringing abroad likely disrupted the critical stage of "Trust vs Mistrust" (0-18 months), potentially impacting his ability to form secure attachments. This may have been further compounded during the "Initiative vs Guilt" stage (3-5 years), as he was removed from his cultural context and thrust into a foreign environment.
The rigid structure of his education and early career progression suggests an environment that heavily emphasised achievement and conformity. While this may have provided a sense of stability, it could also have stifled aspects of identity exploration, a key component of Erikson's "Identity vs Role Confusion" stage typically occurring in adolescence. The regimented nature of his upbringing may have led to a foreclosed identity, where Lors committed to roles and beliefs without fully exploring alternatives.
Lors' reported murder of his Lach instructor, while unconfirmed, hints at potential issues with impulse control and aggression. This behaviour could be indicative of underlying psychological strain, perhaps stemming from the pressures of his rigorous upbringing and the expectations placed upon him. It may also reflect a maladaptive coping mechanism in response to frustration or perceived threats to his competence.
His career trajectory demonstrates remarkable adaptability and ambition. However, the rapid shifts between roles and locations suggest a potential lack of deep-rooted personal connections or a stable sense of place. This pattern aligns with Bowlby's attachment theory, where insecure attachment in childhood can manifest as difficulty forming lasting relationships in adulthood.
The arranged marriage and multiple relationships resulting in offspring from various partners could be interpreted through several lenses. From a psychodynamic perspective, it might represent an unconscious attempt to create the familial connections absent in his own childhood. Alternatively, it could be seen as a manifestation of power and control, reflecting the hierarchical structures that have dominated his life.
Lors' eventual rise to high-ranking military and political positions suggests a strong drive for power and recognition. This could be analysed through McClelland's need theory, indicating a high need for achievement and power, potentially at the expense of affiliation needs.
Lors Bakker-Kalirion emerges as a product of his unique upbringing and experiences, shaped by early displacement, rigorous training, and the expectations of leadership. His character appears marked by ambition, adaptability, and a complex relationship with power and personal connections. Further investigation into his interpersonal relationships and decision-making processes would provide valuable insights into the long-term psychological impacts of his unusual developmental trajectory.
Evaluated in line with theories of power
1. Weber's Three Types of Authority:
Max Weber's theory distinguishes between three types of legitimate authority: traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational. Lors seems to primarily embody legal-rational authority, derived from his positions within highly structured military and political hierarchies. His rise through the ranks of the Black Legions and eventual appointment as Commander-in-Chief of Benacia Command exemplify this form of power.
2. French and Raven's Bases of Power:
French and Raven identified five bases of social power: legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, and referent. Lors appears to wield multiple bases: - Legitimate power: Through his official positions and titles. - Expert power: His extensive military training and education. - Coercive power: Implied by his high-ranking military roles. - Reward power: Likely present in his ability to influence promotions and assignments.
3. Foucault's Power/Knowledge:
Michel Foucault's concept of power/knowledge is relevant to Lors' career. His power is closely tied to his specialised knowledge in areas such as "Humanist Theory & Organisational Studies" and "Thought Leadership & Population Management". This education, combined with his military expertise, creates a nexus of power and specialised knowledge that reinforces his authority.
4. Lukes' Three Dimensions of Power:
Steven Lukes proposed three dimensions of power: 1. Overt: Lors clearly exercises this through his official roles and decision-making authority. 2. Covert: His involvement in political missions and anti-partisan operations suggests the ability to shape agendas behind the scenes. 3. Ideological: His education in "Humanist Theory" and role in the "N&H Future Leadership Programme" imply involvement in shaping beliefs and values.
5. Soft Power vs. Hard Power:
Joseph Nye's concept distinguishes between coercive "hard power" and persuasive "soft power". Lors appears to wield both: - Hard power: Through his military roles and involvement in conflict. - Soft power: His diplomatic missions and political appointments suggest an ability to influence through non-coercive means.
6. Bachrach and Baratz's Two Faces of Power:
This theory posits that power has two faces: decision-making and non-decision-making (agenda-setting). Lors' career demonstrates both. His military command roles involve direct decision-making, while his political appointments likely involve shaping agendas and determining which issues are addressed.
7. Gramsci's Cultural Hegemony:
Antonio Gramsci's theory of cultural hegemony - the domination of a culturally diverse society by the ruling class - is relevant to Lors' background. His education and career path suggest he's part of a system designed to perpetuate certain ideological views and maintain the dominance of a particular group or worldview.
Therefore it can be suggested that Lors Bakker-Kalirion's power is multifaceted and complex. He embodies various forms of power as theorised by different scholars, from the overt authority granted by his positions to the more subtle influences of his specialised knowledge and ideological training. His career trajectory demonstrates a systematic accumulation of power through both institutional means and personal development, reflecting many of the key concepts in academic theories of power.
Elite theory
Evaluating Lors Bakker-Kalirion in the context of the elite theory proposed by Vilfredo Pareto and Gaetano Mosca provides intriguing insights into his position and role within his society. Let's examine this in detail:
1. Pareto's Circulation of Elites:
Vilfredo Pareto posited that society is divided into two classes: the governing elite and the non-governing masses. He further subdivided the elite into:
a) The governing elite b) The non-governing elite
Lors clearly belongs to the governing elite. His trajectory from military leadership to high political office exemplifies Pareto's concept of the 'circulation of elites'. Pareto argued that elites are not static but undergo constant gradual change, with new members rising from lower strata to replace older members.
Lors' ascent from a participant in the "N&H Future Leadership Programme" to Commander-in-Chief of Benacia Command illustrates this circulation. His diverse roles in military, diplomatic, and political spheres show the versatility that Pareto associated with successful elites.
2. Mosca's Political Class:
Gaetano Mosca's theory complements Pareto's, focusing on the concept of a 'political class' that monopolises power. Mosca argued that in all societies, power is concentrated in the hands of a minority that performs all political functions, monopolises power, and enjoys the advantages that power brings.
Lors fits squarely into Mosca's definition of the political class:
a) Organised minority: Lors is part of a highly organised and structured system, as evidenced by his participation in leadership programmes and his progression through military and political ranks.
b) Monopoly on power: His various high-ranking positions, culminating in his role as Commander-in-Chief, demonstrate his access to and control over significant power resources.
c) Special qualities: Mosca argued that the ruling class possesses qualities that are highly esteemed in their society. Lors' military prowess, political acumen, and extensive education in areas like "Humanist Theory" and "Population Management" reflect these special qualities.
3. Elite Recruitment and Reproduction:
Both Pareto and Mosca were interested in how elites recruit and reproduce themselves. Lors' story provides an excellent case study:
a) Early identification: His participation in the "N&H Future Leadership Programme" shows how potential elites are identified and groomed from a young age.
b) Specialised education: His education, from the "N&H Leadership School" to the "Euran University", demonstrates the specialised training given to future elites.
c) Gradual ascension: His career progression through various military and political roles illustrates the step-by-step process of elite formation.
d) Intermarriage and reproduction: His arranged marriage and multiple offspring from various partners could be seen as a means of elite reproduction and consolidation of power, as discussed by both theorists.
4. Elite Cohesion and Networks:
Mosca emphasised the importance of elite cohesion and networks. Lors' diverse roles and connections across military, political, and even commercial spheres (e.g., his involvement with the Köping Tea Company) demonstrate the interconnected nature of elite networks.
5. Adaptability and Survival:
Both Pareto and Mosca stressed the importance of elite adaptability for survival. Lors' ability to navigate different roles and environments - from military conflicts to diplomatic missions to political appointments - showcases this adaptability.
As such, Lors Bakker-Kalirion serves as an exemplar of the elite as conceptualised by Pareto and Mosca. His life and career demonstrate key aspects of elite theory: the circulation of elites, the formation and reproduction of a political class, the possession of special qualities valued by society, and the adaptability necessary for elite survival. His story provides a vivid illustration of how power is concentrated, maintained, and transferred within the upper echelons of society, validating many of the core tenets of classical elite theory.
