As noted in this New York Times article, for decades analysts at the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense have compiled psychological assessments of hostile leaders like Colonel Qaddafi of Libya and Kim Jong-il of North Korea, as well as allies, potential successors, and other prominent officials. (Many foreign governments do the same, of course.)

Diplomats, military strategists and even presidents have drawn on those profiles to inform their decisions—in some cases to their benefit, in other cases at a cost.

Given the volatile political situation in North Africa, an understanding of the personalities involved could be crucial. In a profile of Col. Muammar el-Qadaffi for Foreign Policy magazine, Dr. Jerrold Post (a psychiatrist who directs the political psychology program at George Washington University and founded the C.I.A. branch that does behavioral analysis) concludes that Qadaffi, while usually rational, is prone to delusional thinking when under pressure — “and right now, he is under the most stress he has been under since taking over the leadership of Libya.” Read more…