A dictatorship is an authoritarian regime in which a single individual wields absolute power over the state and does not need the consent of the citizens.
Gaining power
History is full of examples of autocratic leaders assuming control over states. However, it is only in modern times that the term “dictator” has become unambiguously negative. In the 20th century, it became associated with the leaders of brutal totalitarian regimes, such as Nazi Germany, Francoist Spain, the Soviet Union, and Maoist China. While dictators may oversee totalitarian regimes, dictatorships are distinguished by being led by a single powerful leader or small group; totalitarianism is defined by the repressive control the state extends to all aspects of citizens’ lives.
Although many dictators seize power in times of crisis, some, such as Adolf Hitler, are legitimately elected into office, only to then extend their powers to take full control of the state. However, whichever way they come to power, dictators invariably need the support of the military and intelligence services.
Staying in power
After a military coup, a high-ranking military officer usually becomes leader. When a civilian takes charge, they typically assume the rank of general to gain control of the armed forces. Some modern dictators may hand back power once a period of crisis is over, but many remain for life. Since the leader cannot be removed through political means, they can only be forced out—by public protest or military coup.
Absolute control
In order to maintain absolute power, dictators have to control both the people and the state. As head of state, they become the sole authority for their state’s legal and political decisions. Although dictatorships may begin as a declared interim measure, some leaders never step down again. They take control of the police, the military, and the intelligence services, which enables them to silence dissent, constrain the media, and broadcast state propaganda.
Silence dissent
With the support of the police and the security services, dictators silence opposition in order to maintain their position of power.
Control public institutions
As well as ensuring the support of the police and the military, dictators take control of public institutions, such as universities and local government offices.
Overrule processes
During a state of emergency, a ruler can override democratic process, but only as an interim measure; a dictator may extend this period indefinitely.
Constrain the media
Dictators can stifle dissent, shut down independent newspapers and channels, and broadcast their own propaganda.
Become executive branch
As absolute ruler, a dictator becomes both head of government and head of state. As such, they effectively become the executive branch of government. For this reason, they often adopt the title of president.
Oversee laws
As head of government, dictators oversee the legislature and maintain a tight control of the judiciary (the courts that administer the law).
CASE STUDY
Josip Broz Tito
After commanding the Yugoslav Partisans during World War II, Josip Tito (1892–1980) helped found the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1945. He served as the country’s prime minster, and later president, from 1945 until his death in 1980. Although his rule was autocratic, Tito was regarded as a benign dictator—even standing up to Joseph Stalin of the USSR. He unified the nations that made up the Federal Republic and gained considerable respect.
