Difference between revisions of "Dictator"
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| − | Dictator - | + | '''Dictator''' is originally the title of a [[Roman dictator|magistrate]] in [[ancient Rome]] appointed by the [[Roman Senate|Senate]] to rule the state in times of emergency. In modern usage, it refers to an [[Political absolutism|absolutist]] or [[Autocracy|autocratic]] ruler who assumes sole power over the state (though the term is normally not applied to an [[absolute monarch]]). Like the term [[Tyrant|tyrant]], originally a respectable Ancient title, and to a lesser degree [[Autocrat|autocrat]], it came to be used almost exclusively as a non-titular term for oppressive, even abusive, despot who rules preemptively and with no regard for any existing democratic structures, organs or other entities. Almost always marked by a resilient resistance to reality and rational thought. This enables the dictator to act in a manner otherwise impossible. As such, grave human rights violations, including "rendition," [[torture]], disappearances, pervasive surveillance and the repeal of existing [[human rights]] laws, become the norm in societies ruled by dictators. Summary execution is the punishment of choice for a wide variety of offenses, both criminal and political, under the rule of a dictator. |
| − | Notable dictators in world history have included Adolph Hitler, Chancellor of Germany from 1933-45, Josef Stalin, General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1928-53, Pol Pot, head of the Khmer Rouge and ruler of Cambodia (or Kampuchea) from 1963-98, Mao Tzedong, ruler of China from 1945-76, and Islam Karimov, current ruler of Uzbekistan since 1991, Kim Jong Il of [[North Korea]], and Muamar Ghaddafi, long-time | + | Notable dictators in world history have included [[Adolph Hitler]], Chancellor of Germany from 1933-45, [[Josef Stalin]], General Secretary of the Communist Party of the [[Soviet Union]] from 1928-53, [[Pol Pot]], head of the [[Khmer Rouge]] and ruler of [[Cambodia]] (or Kampuchea) from 1963-98, [[Mao Tzedong]], ruler of China from 1945-76, and [[Islam Karimov]], current ruler of Uzbekistan since 1991, [[Kim Jong Il]] of [[North Korea]], and [[Muamar Ghaddafi]], long-time terrorist leader of [[Libya]]. |
Some rulers take on the traits of a dictator but do not achieve complete totalitarian rule. Examples include [[Augusto Pinochet]] of Chile, and [[Fidel Castro]] of Cuba. | Some rulers take on the traits of a dictator but do not achieve complete totalitarian rule. Examples include [[Augusto Pinochet]] of Chile, and [[Fidel Castro]] of Cuba. | ||
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| + | ==See also== | ||
| + | *[[List of dictators]] | ||
Revision as of 14:12, July 12, 2007
Dictator is originally the title of a magistrate in ancient Rome appointed by the Senate to rule the state in times of emergency. In modern usage, it refers to an absolutist or autocratic ruler who assumes sole power over the state (though the term is normally not applied to an absolute monarch). Like the term tyrant, originally a respectable Ancient title, and to a lesser degree autocrat, it came to be used almost exclusively as a non-titular term for oppressive, even abusive, despot who rules preemptively and with no regard for any existing democratic structures, organs or other entities. Almost always marked by a resilient resistance to reality and rational thought. This enables the dictator to act in a manner otherwise impossible. As such, grave human rights violations, including "rendition," torture, disappearances, pervasive surveillance and the repeal of existing human rights laws, become the norm in societies ruled by dictators. Summary execution is the punishment of choice for a wide variety of offenses, both criminal and political, under the rule of a dictator.
Notable dictators in world history have included Adolph Hitler, Chancellor of Germany from 1933-45, Josef Stalin, General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1928-53, Pol Pot, head of the Khmer Rouge and ruler of Cambodia (or Kampuchea) from 1963-98, Mao Tzedong, ruler of China from 1945-76, and Islam Karimov, current ruler of Uzbekistan since 1991, Kim Jong Il of North Korea, and Muamar Ghaddafi, long-time terrorist leader of Libya.
Some rulers take on the traits of a dictator but do not achieve complete totalitarian rule. Examples include Augusto Pinochet of Chile, and Fidel Castro of Cuba.