The world is becoming more polarized through misinformation, although many of us consider honesty to be a core value. Recent research has found that dishonest leadership is on the rise. This is not a reflection of sociopathy rates but is instead a reflection of our collective psyche.

Specifically, dishonesty may be tolerated and even valued during conflict. This paradox challenges our understanding of ethical leadership and forces us to confront some uncomfortable truths about our human behaviour.

Intergroup conflict tends to evoke a zero-sum mindset—where people see their group’s success as linked to the failure of others. That is, both sides can't win or compromise; one must win while the other loses. In such scenarios, the focus shifts from long-term objectives like integrity and fairness to immediate goals like winning at all costs. Leaders who prioritize their group's interests, even at the expense of truth, are often seen as more competent and benevolent in the eyes of their followers.

Zero-sum thinking is damaging. For instance, during negotiations, individuals with a zero-sum mindset are more likely to focus on getting concessions than seeking deals that benefit all parties. The immediate satisfaction of "defeating" the other group overshadows the potential for more fruitful, long-term outcomes. This mentality justifies unethical actions and perpetuates a cycle of mistrust and hostility.

When we fear the other side and threats........

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