Dictators are the Talk of the Town
Would You Know a Dictator If You Saw One?
There’s a lot of talk about dictators these days.
Have you heard it, too? So, what are some identifying characteristics of a dictator? How do they take over a government? Are there any forewarnings that a possible dictator is a threat to a democracy?
- They often rise to power during times of conflict
- When citizens are greatly divided, dictators offer to lead the way out
- Dictators control all branches of government
- They control the media
- Human rights are endangered
- Punitive measure increase
- The dictator has absolute power
- They aren’t held accountable for their actions
- They can do whatever they please
- Oppositional parties aren’t tolerated
- A country run by one person without any checks and balances is ruled by a dictator
- There are several types of dictatorships. Monarchic, military and civilian.
What are the pros and cons of dictatorships?
One possible pro is that changes can be made swiftly. Once the dictator makes a decree, the changes happen. No debating takes place. No laws need to be passed first. The dictator has full control. Any arguing that could delay or stop change is eliminated. Of course, if a dictator is volatile, vindictive, or operates on a whim, things can get very dicey.
And if there’s no one to keep him in check, his absolute power can go to his head.
Some people believe that a dictatorship can have a deterrent effect on crime and that it can facilitate quick responses to emergency situations. There are also fewer obstacles to research and development if a dictator chooses to take the lead on innovation.
Dictators are often seen as a stabilizing force within a country.
A dictator can remain in power for decades. They often rise to power during times of division and conflict. I’ve been shocked more than once by people who long to have their dictator back in power after he’s been overthrown.
Once the dictator dies, another person or form of government will take his place.
Dictatorships can’t last forever. So, in the long run they are destined to fail. Franco, the 20th century military dictator of Spain, hoped to appoint someone to follow him. He died in the early seventies after about 30 years of power. He didn’t get his wish. Spain became a democracy. There are people who remain loyal to Franco, however, even though his regime murdered and imprisoned hundreds and hundreds of Spaniards. They miss the days when one man took care of everything.
There’s even a far-right party that is gaining power in Spain called Vox.
Opposition is rarely allowed under a dictator. Laws are easily changed by the dictator. He can and does impose his will on who he wants and whenever he pleases. That kind of unpredictability is threatening. If a person can get into a position where they are close to the dictator or at the very least hang with the group in the top tier, then they most likely will resist giving up their privilege.
The rich tend to get richer under a dictator and the poor get poorer.
It’s also interesting to note that citizens living under a dictatorship tend to lose interest in participating. Ideas and creativity disappear. They’re focused on obedience instead. Oppression is the usual result and fear sometimes dominates.
Yet, humans have often ended up with a dictator.
For a dictator to take control of a government, there must be an ample number of citizens who help him. They don’t need to be the majority. If they unite behind their fearless leader, they can and do overcome the majority.
The secret to putting a dictator in power in the first place is unification.
Best ideas do not win. If the majority can’t unite, their chances of defeating a dictator are greatly reduced. Dictators must have intensely loyal followers in order to complete their mission. Once dictators are safely installed in a position of power, they can do just about anything they want if they are surrounded by cult followers who make sure their wishes are carried out.
In the end, a dictator doesn’t get to rule without the help of ordinary people. Look to your right and look to your left, because chances are someone standing next to you would willingly join the cult.
Teresa Roberts is a retired educator, author, world traveler, and professional myth buster. You can find her books on Amazon.
