Comment by lo_zamoyski

What we call "power" is not a property of a person, but a function of networks of relationships. A king is only "powerful" insofar as his authority is recognized. The moment his perceived authority is lost, the moment no one or few recognize it, is the moment he no longer has "power".

In other words, it only works if there is enough social support for it. It requires our complicity.

Most people with ASPD (what you call sociopathy) are not able to build these sorts of networks. They're impulsive. They are over-represented among the homeless. They are poor at planning or foreseeing the consequences of their actions. These are not exactly conducive to building these social networks. A sociopath is more the street thug or the gangbanger and less the CEO of a corporation.