Chimpanzee Politics: Power and Sex Among Apes
Physically strongest male becomes alpha only 41% of time
This foundational 6-year observational study at Arnhem Zoo established that primate leadership is fundamentally political, not purely physical. De Waal documented that coalition-based overthrows account for 77% of alpha successions, with single combat determining only 23%. This revolutionized understanding of dominance hierarchies.
The book's detailed account of Yeroen, Luit, and Nikkie demonstrates 'political intelligence' - how an aging alpha can maintain influence through strategic alliance-building even when physically outmatched. The pattern that prosocial, coalition-building leaders maintain power 2-4× longer than despotic individuals has direct application to corporate leadership.
Key Findings from Waal (1982)
- Physically strongest male becomes alpha only 41% of time
- Coalition-based overthrows: 77% of successions
- Average coalition size needed: 2.3 individuals
- Success rate when outnumbered but allied: 71%
- Meat sharing predicts alliance formation (r=0.67)
- Alpha males who shared strategically maintained power substantially longer