Daijiworld Media Network – Urbana-Champaign

Urbana-Champaign, May 30: A groundbreaking study published in Psychological Science has revealed that support for strong, rule-breaking political leaders isn’t confined to right-wing ideology. The research suggests that ethnic minorities regardless of their political leanings may be more inclined to favour dominant leaders than left-leaning White individuals.

The key factor? Generalised trust. Communities with lower levels of trust in others were found to be more supportive of authoritative figures who promise order, discipline, and swift action—even at the cost of democratic norms.

This challenges conventional political psychology, which has long linked preference for powerful leaders to conservative ideologies. However, prior studies mostly focused on White populations, leaving gaps in understanding ethnic minority perspectives.

“Experiences across countries and cultures sparked my curiosity in how group backgrounds shape attitudes,” said study author Krishnan Nair, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “This project reflects my journey through diverse environments and my interest in values across communities.”

The findings are timely, especially as minority support for figures like Donald Trump grows. Researchers argue it's crucial to re-examine assumptions about leadership preferences as demographic dynamics shift in democratic societies.