[Odyssey-x]

The problem with being feared though is people are always trying to find ways to stab you in the back so the leader(s) have to create a government based on paranoia to protect themselves. Paranoia based governments leads to really lousy organizational dynamics where everyone only focuses on avoiding blame. It makes it so that problems are hidden and not fixed. These societies generally collapse under the weight of their inefficiency and denial unless they are headed by an absolutely brilliant leader. At best, fear only works as a temporary strategy.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

History is full of strongmen who lived a full life in power, where most such governments fail is in not being able to provide a line of succession of the equally talented and ruthless.