BBC has a charming article that compares some practices used by politicians, which have also been observed in monkeys.
1. Keep friends close, but enemies even closer
Politics in the world of chimpanzees also involves a lot of shifting alliances (parties), and to reach the top, it is sometimes necessary to turn against friends and embrace enemies. Most alliances in the monkey world are formed out of necessity, not friendship.
2. Choose a weak ally, not a strong one
Chimpanzees often form ‘minimal winning coalitions’; for example, two weak chimpanzees will attack one strong opponent, rather than one weak chimpanzee teaming up with a strong one. It’s a simple calculation, especially when considering the later division of spoils.
3. It’s good to be feared, but better to be loved
Chimpanzee leaders can instill fear and lead based on strength, but such leaders do not last long. A successful leader gathers mass support by being both gentle and strict at the same time.
4. Spoils should be shared
Leaders who rule the longest are those who have something to buy support with. One chimpanzee ruled for 12 years by distributing meat from hunts to his subjects.
5. External threats can increase support (if they are real)
When faced with an external threat, groups of primates stick together and forget their internal disputes (just like political parties).
