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A Few Words on Dictators [1]
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Date: 2025-04-05
Came across this opening prelude to the article below, while doing some research on a piece I’m working on. Thought I’d share, as it’s a pretty succinct summation — without intentionally intending to be — of where we’re at, where we’re headed... in case anyone still thinks this is all hyperbole.
https://www.historyskills.com/classroom/year-10/worst-dictators-in-modern-history/
Throughout history, dictators have used the state apparatus, such as the military and police, to suppress any dissent among the citizens.
Moreover, dictators can manipulate legal frameworks to find a way to justify their actions and maintain the thin facade of legitimacy.
The term "authoritarianism" is often the best way of describing this concentration of power and lack of political freedoms.
In many cases, dictators also cultivate a cult of personality around themselves. In posters and songs, they are often portrayed as saviors of their countries or simply as ‘visionary’ leaders.
It is through this kind of propaganda and media control that they are able to craft an image that is simply a manipulation of public perception.
If done successfully, it can create a false sense of loyalty in the populace, but in reality, opposition voices are quickly marginalized or eliminated.
Ultimately, dictators use fear to control the population. However, this fear needs to be based upon a genuine fear of what the supreme leader can do to their people.
As a result, human rights abuses become rampant under such regimes.
Consequently, the domestic population suffers under their own oppressive governments.
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