Leadership in The Walking Dead: Comparing the Governor, Negan and Rick

The Governor’s attitude towards outsiders: eliminate all threats

In theory, Woodbury is supposed to be a refuge and a place from which the Governor intends to rebuild a civilized society. In practice, the Governor is way too power-hungry and wary of outsiders to be able to build this kind of society.

He does bring people in – unless they are too powerful and potentially threatening, like the soldiers whom he chooses to murder instead. Andrea and Michonne, as well as Sasha and Tyreese, are allowed to enter Woodbury. The Governor probably sees value in them, and seems sincere in his intention to integrate them into his community.

Yet, the choice the Governor gives them is an illusion: if they don’t want to join his group, they die. The truth, as we quickly find out, is that you are either with him, or against him. When Michonne tries to leave, he pretends to let her go, but orders his men to kill her. The Governor is a control freak and his ideal of a civilized society is incompatible with his mistrust of outsiders and of, pretty much, anyone who escapes his control. His stubborn refusal to consider even the possibility of a peaceful settlement with Rick’s group is an example of that.