Why Leaders Lie

"Then it's appropriate for the rulers," Socrates explained to his young student, Adeimantus, "if for anyone at all, to lie for the benefit of the city in cases involving enemies or citizens, while all the rest must not put their hands to anything of the sort." (1) Rulers must employ "noble lies" for the sake of the city, particularly about "ancient things," such as the city's founding, where it is difficult to know the truth, and other "unspeakable secrets" to be told circumspectly only to a few. The distinguished political scientist at the University of Chicago, John Mearsheimer, has written an intriguing essay about lying as a tool of statecraft. Mearsheimer goes beyond the relative utility of lying to draw the "lessons" of its use for the future of American foreign policy. To understand the author's intention, this book should be read along with its complementary article, "Imperial by Design." (2)