Courage, fear and pushiness

Natural and nuclear catastrophes, unprecedented uprisings and political changes in critical areas of the world, states risking bankruptcy. Rarely as often as in the last months have world leaders been facing situations which could potentially turn the current global system upside-down. Such situations are testing their resoluteness and their ability to take crucial and vital decisions. While making rational choices, leaders cannot disregard citizens’ concerns, be it the fear of new catastrophes, of massive migrations or the reluctance to pay the price for other countries’ shortcomings. Without being overwhelmed or manipulated by emotions, decision-makers must channel them into productive and adaptive actions. Quoting General George Patton, “There is a time to take counsel of your fears, and there is a time to never listen to any fear.”