Silence, not external threats, signals the decay of great powers

The erosion of a great power's strength may not stem from external attacks but from internal silence, according to Dr. Eko Surya Lesmana. During a book discussion on his work, "The Secret Weakness of Every Great Power," Lesmana argued that a leader who no longer hears objections might feel empowered, but this silence often signals a loss of trust and belief from within.

Lesmana introduced the concept of "SPLIT," an acronym representing a situation where a power's external facade remains strong, yet internal support and confidence are diminishing. He cited the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 as a prime example. Despite possessing nuclear weapons and intact state structures, the system had already lost the faith of a significant portion of its populace.

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Silence often becomes the earliest sign. A quiet room does not necessarily contain agreeing minds. It could contain hearts that have stopped thinking about the problems we face.

The book draws on historical examples to illustrate that true power lies not just in might but in the willingness of people to remain supportive during difficult times. Lesmana contrasted leaders who speak candidly during crises, like Winston Churchill, with those who mobilize support through accessible actions, such as Mahatma Gandhi's salt-making movement.

Lesmana emphasized that leaders need more than affection; they require mechanisms to translate support into action. Victories must be sustained through trust and resilient structures. He stated that a good leader is not necessarily the most beloved but one who retains trust even when disagreed with. The book, originally in English, aims to bring insights from an Indonesian risk management professional into global discussions on power, support, and trust.

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A good leader is not necessarily the most loved. A good leader can still be trusted even when their people disagree with them.