Silvio Berlusconi and his 'toxic' touch

No previous analyses have really managed to explain the dynamics of the Berlusconi leadership and his relationship with his followers. By analysing Berlusconi’s leadership in detail and, in particular, by using notions of ‘toxic leadership’ and ‘bad leader’, this article seeks to explain (1) Berlusconi’s motivations and how he came to power; (2) the impact and nature of his leadership and re-elections; (3) the possible explanations and implications for Italy and elsewhere.