Characteristic of people in positions of power who, in part from a deep sense of personal insecurity, seek tokens of recognition, admiration and social acceptance through the acquisition of honours and titles. This is most evident in the case of certain dictators but has traditionally been evident in imperialistic systems. The acquisition of honours, and the control of their attribution, continues to exert a powerful influence on policy-making in certain countries, such as the UK. A related phenomenon is evident in the socio-political manoeuvering around academic prizes (Nobel, etc.), literary prizes and sporting prizes (e.g. Olympic medals).