The book by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith is an important work in the field of political science, challenging conventional views. It starts from the simple premise that leaders do whatever it takes to stay in power, without caring for the "national interest" or their subjects, unless it is necessary. With smart and accessible writing, the authors capture how leaders gather and maintain power. As they demonstrate, democracy is essentially a convenient fiction. Governments do not differ in their essence, but only in the number of essential supporters they need. The size of this circle determines almost everything about politics: what leaders can do and the quality of life or misery of their subjects. Moreover, it is the key to returning power to the people.