Luthen's methods for bullying Lonni back into line are not actually optimal. That's not how you build loyalty and belief in the cause. Zelenskii visiting Kherson? That's an example of the sort of leadership that builds loyalty, belief, and trust.
Luthen could have instead built up camaraderie. Lonni feels alone? He is alone. But he's not the only one. Luthen could have told him that others are making the same sacrifices - Mon Mothma in particular. He doesn't have to mention her name, of course, or any compromising details. But he could have explained to Lonni how so many others are in his same boat, and we're all making these sacrifices for the same reasons.
Instead, he browbeats Lonni with implicit threats and gaslighting lies ... Luthen dismisses the value of what he fought so hard to give to the cause, all just to break down Lonni's ego and grip on reality.
Luthen could have uplifted Lonni but instead he pushes him down further into the abyss.
This is purposeful in the story telling. Luthen is NOT ACTUALLY GOOD AT THIS. His attempts to lie about Aldani insult the intelligence of Mon Mothma and create pointless (justified!) distrust from Saw. Luthen's judgement is already clouded by the dark side, and he's slipping. He's slipping.
