DICTATORS, DESPOTS AND TYRANTS

Journalist Jeremy Hunter uncovers the Cult of Personality in the 20th century.

During the 15th century Niccolo Machiavelli the Italian politician and diplomat wrote: “It is much safer to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both”. Fear has been the hallmark of the rise, survival, then downfall, of dictators and tyrants. Over the past 40 years or so, unscrupulous politicians have relied on military forces, secret police, spies, informants, interrogators and torturers to position themselves as the Supreme Leaders of their countries. There is no cult without fear so at the height of the 20th century, hundreds of millions of people across the globe were required to ‘glory’ in their Supreme Leader’s authority and power. Failure to cry, cheer, shout on command or show the slightest disrespect carried heavy penalties, imprisonment or execution. And millions suffered this fate.

No tickets required.