No One Man Should Have All That Power

1. Rasputinism: Untoward Control Beyond the Obvious

Wherever there is a puppet master, an éminence grise, a Svengali, a manipulator, a secret controller—that is a Rasputin.

Defining Rasputinism. The essence of "Rasputinism" lies in the exercise of untoward control by one individual over another, often from behind the scenes. This control is controversial, earns the controller enemies, and serves a personal agenda. The Rasputin lacks the abilities they cultivate in others, making their influence a product of manipulation rather than direct action.

Seven Rasputin Rules:

• Control over others
• Controversial control
• Enemies as a result of manipulation
• A personal agenda
• Operating from behind the scenes
• Control over the powerful few
• Lacking the abilities themselves

Ubiquity of Rasputinism. Rasputinism isn't confined to high-stakes political arenas; it thrives wherever power dynamics exist, from corporate boardrooms to artistic collaborations. Understanding this archetype helps illuminate the subtle and not-so-subtle ways individuals exert influence and control in various aspects of life.

2. Pop Music: A Fertile Ground for Rasputins

The star at the front of the stage gets the mass adulation and the magazine covers; the operator behind the curtain maintains the control.

The Svengali Archetype. The music industry, with its inherent power imbalances, provides a breeding ground for Rasputins. These figures, often producers or managers, exert undue control over artists, shaping their careers and personas, sometimes at a great personal cost.

Examples of Pop Rasputins:

• Phil Spector: Dictatorial control over the Ronettes, culminating in abuse
• Ike Turner: Manipulating Tina Turner's image and performance through abuse
• Lou Pearlman: Exploiting the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC through financial fraud
• Dr. Luke: Allegations of abuse and creative control over Kesha

The Golem Analogy. The pop Rasputin's trajectory often mirrors the Jewish folklore of the golem's builder: they breathe life into their creation, but eventually, the creation threatens to destroy them. The public, initially enamored with the art, turns against the Rasputin when the extent of their control is revealed.

3. The Anti-Rasputin: A New Model of Influence

I ask them why they’re saying ‘no.’ I listen to them. Then I pick one thing within their argument that I can acknowledge. And I let them know that I can see why they feel that way. Now they’re softening so that they can hear me. And then I slowly change their perspective. In a respectful manner.

Scooter Braun's Approach. Scooter Braun, manager of Justin Bieber and other pop stars, presents a contrasting model of influence. He emphasizes respect, collaboration, and transparency, seemingly rejecting the manipulative tactics of traditional Rasputins.

Braun's Strategies:

• Strategic planning: Identifying gaps in the market and creating acts to fill them
• Viral marketing: Leveraging social media and celebrity endorsements
• Data-driven decision-making: Analyzing charts and trends to maximize success

The Illusion of Control. While Braun presents himself as a benevolent guide, the inherent power dynamics of the music industry still exist. The line between influence and manipulation remains thin, and the potential for exploitation persists.

4. Literary Manipulation: The Editor as Svengali

I saw in Carver’s pieces something I could fuck around with. There was a prospect there, certainly. The germ of the thing, in Ray’s stuff, was revealed in the catalogue of his experience. It had that promise in it, something I could fool with and make something new-seeming.

Gordon Lish and Raymond Carver. The relationship between editor Gordon Lish and writer Raymond Carver exemplifies Rasputinism in the literary world. Lish heavily edited Carver's stories, stripping them of sentimentality and shaping his minimalist style, raising questions about authorship and artistic integrity.

The Carver Chronicles:

• Lish drastically cut and rewrote Carver's stories, sometimes eliminating up to 70% of the original text.
• Carver initially resisted Lish's edits but eventually acquiesced, fearing professional repercussions.
• After Carver's death, the extent of Lish's influence became public, sparking a debate about the true author of Carver's iconic style.

The Ethical Dilemma. The Lish-Carver saga raises ethical questions about the role of editors and the extent to which they should shape an author's work. While Lish's edits may have contributed to Carver's success, they also raise concerns about artistic autonomy and the potential for manipulation.

5. Cinematic Control: The Auteur's Dark Side

Actors are cattle.

The Domineering Director. The film industry, with its hierarchical structure and emphasis on the director's vision, can foster Rasputin-like behavior. Auteurs, driven by their artistic agendas, may exert undue control over actors, pushing them to extremes and blurring the lines between art and abuse.

Examples of Cinematic Rasputinism:

• Vincent Gallo: Manipulating Christina Ricci's performance in Buffalo '66
• Abdellatif Kechiche: Traumatizing Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos during the filming of Blue Is the Warmest Color
• Stanley Kubrick: Pushing Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman to emotional extremes during the prolonged shoot of Eyes Wide Shut

The Kubrick Mystique. Stanley Kubrick's meticulous control and demanding methods have become legendary, influencing generations of filmmakers. While his films are undeniably masterful, his approach raises questions about the ethical treatment of actors and the potential for abuse in the pursuit of artistic perfection.

6. Sports and the Guru: The Price of Peak Performance

I’m the best advertisement I could ever have.

Alex Guerrero and Tom Brady. The relationship between Tom Brady and his body coach, Alex Guerrero, illustrates the allure and potential pitfalls of Rasputinism in the world of professional sports. Guerrero's unorthodox methods and questionable past raise concerns about the extent of his influence over Brady's career and health decisions.

The TB12 Method:

• Emphasis on "pliability" and unconventional training techniques
• Reliance on proprietary products and supplements
• Claims of defying aging and preventing injuries

The Price of Immortality. While Brady credits Guerrero with his longevity and success, critics question the scientific validity of the TB12 Method and the potential for exploitation. The pursuit of peak performance can lead athletes to place undue trust in figures who may not have their best interests at heart.

7. Cartel Kingpins: Power in the Shadows

She has always had power. Always.

Enedina Arellano Félix. In the world of drug cartels, Rasputinism takes on a particularly sinister form. Enedina Arellano Félix, the sister of the infamous Arellano Félix brothers, exemplifies this archetype. While her brothers were known for their violence and flamboyance, Enedina operated behind the scenes, managing the cartel's finances and wielding considerable influence.

El Mayo Zambada. El Mayo Zambada, a leader of the Sinaloa cartel, is another example of a cartel Rasputin. While El Chapo Guzmán garnered international attention, El Mayo remained in the shadows, overseeing logistics and security.

The Benefits of Anonymity. By maintaining a low profile, these cartel Rasputins avoid the scrutiny of law enforcement and the public, allowing them to operate with greater impunity. Their power lies not in their visibility but in their ability to control events from behind the scenes.

8. Radicalization: The Charismatic Preacher's Web

He was something like a pop star of jihad.

Khalid Zerkani and Abu Walaa. In the realm of radicalization, charismatic preachers like Khalid Zerkani and Abu Walaa play the role of Rasputins, luring vulnerable individuals into extremist ideologies. These figures exploit social and economic grievances, offering simple answers to complex problems and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

The Recruitment Process:

• Targeting disaffected youth, often from immigrant communities
• Using social media and pop culture references to attract recruits
• Offering a sense of community and purpose
• Providing a distorted interpretation of religious texts to justify violence

Denis Cuspert. The story of Denis Cuspert, a German rapper who became an ISIS propagandist, illustrates the power of these figures to transform individuals and inspire acts of terror. By exploiting Cuspert's vulnerabilities and offering him a sense of belonging, Mohamed Mahmoud led him down a path of violence and destruction.

9. The Lady Macbeth Situation: Power Through Partnership

She opted for an alliance of power.

Rosario Murillo and Daniel Ortega. The relationship between Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, exemplifies the "Lady Macbeth Situation." Murillo, a powerful and ambitious figure, has exerted considerable influence over Ortega's policies and decisions, consolidating power within their family.

Zoilamérica's Accusations. The allegations of sexual abuse against Ortega, coupled with Murillo's unwavering support of her husband, highlight the complexities and potential for abuse within such partnerships. Murillo's ambition and desire for control may have led her to prioritize power over her own daughter's well-being.

The Price of Ambition. The Lady Macbeth Situation raises questions about the role of women in power and the sacrifices they may make to achieve their goals. While Murillo's story is unique, it reflects a broader pattern of women navigating patriarchal structures and seeking influence through their relationships with powerful men.

10. The Allure and Danger of the "Korean Rasputin"

I committed a sin that deserves death.

Choi Soon-sil and Park Geun-hye. The "Korean Rasputin" scandal, involving Choi Soon-sil and former South Korean President Park Geun-hye, offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked influence and the potential for corruption within political systems. Choi's decades-long relationship with Park, coupled with her alleged exploitation of their connection for personal gain, led to Park's impeachment and imprisonment.

The Legacy of Choi Tae-min. The scandal also revealed the influence of Choi Soon-sil's father, Choi Tae-min, a cult leader who had befriended Park after her parents' assassination. The Chois' long-standing control over Park highlights the potential for individuals with unconventional beliefs to gain access to power and manipulate political leaders.

The Price of Influence. The Choi Soon-sil scandal serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government. The public's outrage over Choi's actions underscores the need for safeguards to prevent undue influence and ensure that political decisions are made in the best interests of the people.

11. The Modern Political Landscape: A Battle of Rasputins

The administration is like the French Revolution. You never know who will be beheaded next.

Trump's Inner Circle. The Trump administration has been characterized by a constant power struggle among competing advisors, each vying for the president's ear. Figures like Steve Bannon, Jared Kushner, and Kellyanne Conway have all sought to exert influence over Trump's policies and decisions, often with conflicting agendas.

The Rise and Fall of Bannon. Steve Bannon's tenure in the White House exemplifies the dangers of unchecked Rasputinism. While Bannon's hardline nationalist views resonated with Trump's base, his divisive tactics and self-aggrandizing behavior ultimately led to his downfall.

The Enduring Influence of Kushner. Despite numerous controversies and questions about his qualifications, Jared Kushner has maintained a prominent role in the Trump administration. His ability to navigate the treacherous waters of Washington politics and retain the president's trust speaks to his unique power and influence.

Last updated: February 14, 2025