Making a Dictator

The threat of dictatorship to democratic institutions is the focus. Included: Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein and Fidel Castro, who found their way to power through similar methods.

Dictators become a bigger threat when they take power, but their goal of absolute power remains the same. Once a dictator takes hold, they employ tactics such as fear, propaganda, imprisonment, torture and murder to keep citizens in line and government officials loyal. The use of these tactics help to build their alliances. Dictators need strong alliances to strengthen their hold on power. Adolf Hitler woos the elites to oust a democratic system. Saddam Hussein and Mobutu Sese Seko engage international alliances to showcase their personal leverage in the global community.

Dictators are known to push boundaries, but when their reach exceeds their grasp, outside forces can be the cause of their downfall. For Hitler and the Nazis, backstabbing a new alliance and fighting a two-front war is the beginning of the end. For Saddam Hussein and Mobutu Sese Seko, exterior events play a major role in the strength of their bonds to the governments that helped put them into power. For the military dictators of South America, the truth about their misdeeds is the last straw for citizens who have had enough.