A Somber Reflection on Modern Cult Leaders and Their Followers

Today, as 2025 begins, I find myself chronicling my observations on the re-emergence of two cult figures who have regained power in 2024: Narendra Modi in India and Donald Trump in the United States. As I analyse the political landscapes that have enabled these leaders to ascend again, I cannot help but draw parallels with the historical shadow cast by Adolf Hitler. It is not only their patterns of narcissism, bigotry, and authoritarian tendencies that concern me but also the unwavering devotion of their followers, who elevate them to almost mythic status.

A Revived Cult of Personality

Both leaders project a self-aggrandizing aura reminiscent of Hitler’s approach to shaping public perception. President Trump has consistently framed himself as the protector of a nation under siege, alleging conspiracies against him and aligning any opposition with an imagined “enemy within.” Similarly, Prime Minister Modi proclaims himself as the driving force behind India’s progress, exemplified by slogans such as “Modi hai to mumkin hai” (If Modi is there, it is possible). This self-centred political strategy mirrors Hitler’s propaganda machine, which showcased him as the single, indispensable figure capable of resurrecting Germany’s glory.

Narcissism and Self-Victimization

Hitler sought to consolidate power by portraying Germany as the perpetual victim of outside forces. Trump frequently deploys a similar tactic through claims of a “deep state” bent on his destruction, while Modi continuously highlights the perceived failures of predecessors to underscore his indispensability. In essence, each man positions himself as a heroic figure combating powerful adversaries, thereby galvanizing followers who cling to the idea that these leaders alone can safeguard the nation’s future.

Bigotry and Divisive Rhetoric

Much like Hitler, who played upon existing prejudices to unify his base, both Trump and Modi have stoked societal divides. President Trump openly vilifies immigrants and liberal institutions, while Prime Minister Modi’s party promotes a Hindutva agenda that isolates minority communities, especially Muslims. These leaders reap political rewards through polarizing rhetoric, splitting society into distinct camps of “us” versus “them.” By accentuating ethnic, religious, or ideological differences, they reinforce loyalty in their followers, who perceive every policy—no matter how detrimental—as a triumph over perceived enemies.

The Anatomy of a Cult Follower

It is not merely the leaders but also their adherents who demand examination. There is an unsettling pattern of blind devotion, analogous to the fervour that once fueled support for Hitler. Many followers have a pronounced need for belonging and a willingness to subordinate their interests to the cause. They celebrate economic or social hardships as a necessary sacrifice so long as it reinforces the dominance of their chosen leader. Cognitive dissonance abounds in this scenario: inconvenient facts or contradictory evidence are dismissed, overshadowed by the desire to believe in a flawless figure.

Moreover, conformism drives many to suppress their reservations, preferring to align themselves with a community that appears stable and collective. Dependency on the leader for identity and purpose saturates their worldview, rendering critical thought almost impossible. It is reminiscent of historical moments when crowds, spurred by emotional unity, participated in rallies and rituals designed to exalt their leader as omnipotent and virtuous.

Comparisons to Hitler’s Fascist Regime

Trump and Modi do not employ the same tactics as Hitler in every respect. Yet, there are echoes of his fascist style evident in how they consolidate media, manipulate narratives, and sow division. While Hitler’s regime functioned in an era without modern technology, these contemporary strongmen have harnessed the power of social media to magnify their influence. State-friendly outlets glorify the leader, brand detractors as traitors, and diminish trust in any objective analysis. This media environment facilitates the transformation of bureaucratic state power into a more charismatic and personalized form of authority.

The Two-Pronged Strategy: Propaganda and Ritual

Examining the personality cults surrounding Trump and Modi reveals that propaganda and ritual work in tandem. Propaganda, shaped by political teams, produces carefully curated messaging to cast these men as saviours. Supporters then participate in public spectacles—rallies, celebrations, and social media campaigns—that serve as modern rituals, binding them together in shared devotion. These demonstrations simultaneously affirm the propaganda and amplify its impact.

On one side, there is a deliberate political campaign to mould public opinion in favour of the leader’s virtues. At the same time, there is organic participation from followers who seek to communicate their loyalty to peers and adversaries. This cycle is disturbingly effective: propaganda fortifies the meaning of collective displays of adoration, and those displays, in turn, reinforce the propaganda’s core claims.

Underlying Factors and Consequences

Several factors have facilitated the rise of these new strongmen. Advances in communication technology and social media's omnipresence make disseminating disinformation vastly easier. Economic and social uncertainties create desperation, pushing people to place their trust in leaders who promise swift redemption. Cultural norms that revere strong authority figures can further entrench these personality cults.

The danger lies in how these cults undermine democratic structures, degrade public discourse, and erode institutions meant to safeguard pluralism. When fervour for the leader supersedes the national interest, the result can be a downward spiral toward authoritarian rule, as supporters discount or even endorse policies that violate human rights or dismantle checks and balances.

Final Thoughts

History may not always repeat itself in identical ways. Yet, the similarities between the phenomena surrounding Hitler and those manifesting in the administrations of Trump and Modi cannot be dismissed. This pattern of extreme narcissism, bigotry, and reliance on a devoted following can have grave repercussions. Through the confluence of propaganda, ritualistic displays of support, and strategic exploitation of technology, these leaders harness the fears and hopes of their constituents.