User blog comment:Gundam Legilis/The Fallacy of The White Fang/@comment-24260323-20140421151927

Violent groups tend to do purges whenever a change in leadership occurs. Such purges often remove anyone who isn't radically supportive of the new leadership, or moderates in the group. Loyalties are questioned, people disappear, and the survivors go into hiding.

Power is controlled by fear. As long as everyone fears the leader, they will maintain power. But the moment they become hated, then people stand up to them or plot against the group. Machiavelli did say that it is better to be feared than loved, but above everything else, avoid being hated. Members who are competent or gain too much influence are disposed of, and labelled as traitors; replacing the competent people are those who are loyal to the Leader even if they aren't very good in their job.

Groups like these always tend to be hated as they abuse power. The leaders begin believing in their own propaganda, as Yes-men say anything to please the Leader even if it's a lie, and ultimately they begin to believe their own propaganda.

It's really cyclical if you really think about it.