Subject Area: Politics
This course can also be studied in the following specialisation: Australian Studies, International Relations

Popular and media views portray American presidents and Australian prime ministers as all-powerful individuals. People expect them – and they promise - to lead their respective countries to better futures. But do they have as much power as is popularly conceived? How much are they constrained or enabled by popular conceptions and traditions? What is the nature of leadership in a representative democracy? To answer these questions it is necessary to explore political leadership as about relationships with a range of followers. Leaders are dependent on persuading a range of others such as party, cabinet, interest groups, media and voters, in a political system designed to keep them in check and against the general background of the economy and international affairs. Events can present opportunities as well as difficulties for the ambitions of a prime minister or president. Therefore, this course focuses on political rhetoric and its relation to the style of leadership of a selection of prime ministers and presidents. Also this course explores the balancing act by these national leaders between the demand for principles in politics with the demand to be pragmatic and flexible, all while maintaining support. This doesn’t always endear these leaders to voters.