When a dictator takes office

Points to be aware of when a dictator takes office

Be afraid when you see this

Strategic Plan to Become a Dictator

Phase 1: Build a Power Base (Pre-Takeover Phase)

Before seizing power, you must establish yourself as a dominant figure with a loyal support network.

  1. Develop a Charismatic Public Persona
  • Craft an appealing narrative that portrays you as a strong, decisive, and visionary leader.
  • Utilize social media, public speaking, and propaganda to build a following.
  • Position yourself as a “man of the people” who understands their struggles.
  • Create a cult of personality by surrounding yourself with devoted followers.
  1. Exploit a Crisis (Real or Manufactured)
  • Identify or create a political, economic, or social crisis that justifies radical change.
  • Spread fear and uncertainty, presenting yourself as the only solution.
  • Highlight government incompetence or corruption to discredit the current system.
  1. Gain Control of Key Institutions
  • Establish deep connections within the military, police, and intelligence agencies.
  • Build alliances with influential business leaders and media owners.
  • Recruit a network of loyalists within bureaucratic and judicial systems.
  • Cultivate relationships with foreign governments that may support your rule.
  1. Form a Populist Movement
  • Mobilize grassroots support by appealing to nationalism, economic justice, or security concerns.
  • Use slogans, symbols, and rallies to create a sense of unity among followers.
  • Organize protests, strikes, or riots to weaken the current government.
  • Establish a paramilitary or private security force loyal only to you.

Phase 2: Seize Power (Overthrow Phase)

Once your power base is solid, it’s time to take control.

  1. Gain Political Legitimacy
  • Enter politics through an existing party or create your own movement.
  • Use legal means (elections, coalitions) or illegal means (coup, insurrection) to seize power.
  • Leverage support from media and influential figures to normalize your rise.
  1. Remove Political Opponents
  • Discredit or eliminate rivals using legal charges, scandals, or smear campaigns.
  • Co-opt or imprison opposition leaders, activists, and journalists.
  • If necessary, use force to crush resistance and consolidate control.
  1. Change Laws to Consolidate Power
  • Push for constitutional amendments to extend your rule.
  • Weaken or dismantle democratic institutions that could challenge you.
  • Suppress dissent through emergency laws, censorship, and surveillance.

Phase 3: Maintain Control (Dictatorship Phase)

Once in power, you must ensure no one can challenge you.

  1. Control the Media and Narrative
  • Establish state-run media and heavily censor independent journalism.
  • Spread propaganda glorifying your rule and demonizing enemies.
  • Flood information channels with misinformation to confuse dissenters.
  1. Eliminate Opposition and Potential Threats
  • Regularly purge government officials, military leaders, and former allies who might oppose you.
  • Maintain a secret police force to monitor and suppress resistance.
  • Encourage an atmosphere of fear where no one feels safe speaking out.
  1. Expand Surveillance and Control Over the Population
  • Implement mass surveillance using technology and informants.
  • Restrict freedoms such as speech, assembly, and access to the internet.
  • Control education and culture to indoctrinate the next generation.

Phase 4: Secure Your Legacy (Long-Term Rule)

To ensure your rule lasts beyond a few years, you must solidify your regime.

  1. Establish a Personality Cult
  • Build monuments, rename cities, and rewrite history to glorify yourself.
  • Require loyalty oaths and public displays of devotion.
  • Spread rumors of your invincibility and divine right to rule.
  1. Create a Dependent Society
  • Make citizens economically dependent on your government (subsidies, state jobs).
  • Suppress private enterprise that might create independent power bases.
  • Ensure a culture of loyalty by rewarding followers and punishing dissenters.
  1. Prepare for Succession
  • Train a successor who will continue your rule.
  • Set up an elite ruling class or dynasty to maintain power.
  • Crush any factions within your government that might seek to replace you.

Final Considerations

  • Balance Fear and Loyalty: A dictatorship thrives on fear, but excessive brutality can lead to rebellion. You must reward loyalists while instilling fear in enemies.
  • Control the Military: If the military turns against you, your rule will end. Keep them well-paid and remove disloyal officers.
  • Adapt to Changing Times: The most successful dictators evolve with technology and shifting political landscapes.

If Google is forced to change Google map from “the Mexican Gulf” to “the American Gulf”, without the world’s approval, why aren’t we nervous about Microsoft and Apple being forced to change their operating systems for hostile actions.

Vladimir Putin is not officially titled a “dictator,” but many critics and analysts describe his rule as authoritarian. Since he first became president in 1999, Putin has consolidated significant power in Russia. Here are some of the key features and methods that have contributed to his position of power:

1. Political Consolidation

  • Centralization of Power: Putin has gradually centralized power in the presidency, reducing the influence of regional leaders and other political institutions.

  • Control over Security Services: Putin, who comes from a KGB (Soviet security service) background, has strong ties to Russia’s security apparatus, which has helped him ensure loyalty and suppress opposition.

2. Election Manipulation

  • Election Fraud and Manipulation: There have been numerous reports and allegations of election fraud, including manipulation of voting and counting processes, to ensure that Putin and his party, United Russia, win elections.

  • Restriction of Political Competition: Opposition parties and candidates often face significant obstacles, including legal persecution, disqualification from elections, and lack of access to media.

3. Control over Media

  • Media Control: Most major media outlets in Russia are either state-owned or controlled by government allies, limiting the possibility of critical journalism and allowing Putin to shape public opinion.

  • Suppression of Independent Media: Independent media and journalists often face threats, violence, and legal persecution.

4. Repression of Opposition

  • Persecution of Political Opponents: Prominent opposition figures like Alexei Navalny have been imprisoned, poisoned, or otherwise hindered from participating in politics.

  • Anti-Protest Legislation: The government has enacted strict laws against protests and demonstrations, and has used police and security forces to crack down on protests.

5. Nationalism and Propaganda

  • Nationalist Rhetoric: Putin has used nationalist rhetoric and emphasized Russia’s greatness to gain popular support.

  • Propaganda: The government has used propaganda to promote a positive image of Putin and his policies, both domestically and internationally.

6. Economic Control

  • Control over Economic Resources: Putin and his close circle have significant influence over Russia’s economy, particularly in areas like energy (oil and gas), allowing them to reward allies and punish opponents.

7. Constitutional Changes

  • Extension of Power Terms: In 2020, a constitutional amendment was passed that allows Putin to remain president until 2036, effectively enabling him to be a lifelong leader.

Conclusion

Putin has built his power position through a combination of political manipulation, control over the security apparatus, repression of opposition, and effective use of propaganda. Although he is officially elected through democratic processes, many of these processes have been criticized as unfair and manipulative, leading to accusations that he functions as a de facto dictator.