Why dictators self-destruct

My column last week on “Lessons on Trump’s Self-Destruction” elicited some interesting feedback which led to a discussion on the above topic on the self-destruction of most dictators, or aspiring dictators like Trump and others. Especially in countries with populist leaders and fragile democratic institutions, and authoritarian regimes that have incorporated free-market economics in their governance, there is a strong temptation for the leaders to become autocratic to hold on or prolong their hold on power. History and the Bible is full of stories of tyrants and dictators on their oppressive regimes and their downfall. These have always been legitimate objects of study in social and political philosophy, to teach lessons as well as to guide future civilizations.

Dictatorship and tyranny are regimes that are characterized by governance by a person or family with absolute uncontestable power, which is oppressive, repressive, coercive, and persecutes all dissent. It uses military might and armed mercenaries to enforce its will on the people. There are varying shades and stages in dictatorships and many countries in the world. They may be in these stages for better or for worse. Trump wanted the USA along a more dictatorial regime and made the moves in that direction, but was thwarted due to the strong democratic foundation and institutions. Many other countries may languish long under dictatorship due to economic conditions and weak institutions. The saving grace and experience is that totalitarianism and dictatorship breed the seeds that will bring about its own destruction.

Greek and Roman histories are full of stories of tyrants and dictators, so are the Middle Ages and up to the 20th century. Nobis of Sparta is one early tyrant who was assassinated, and Julius Caesar who was killed by Brutus. Then there was Caligula, Ivan the Terrible, Genghis Khan and, in recent history, Hitler, Stalin, Idi Amin, Marcos, Pol Pot, and Duvalier most of whom were deposed by rebellion or by their successors. The same is true also of the Chinese emperors who had ruled despotically and were deposed or killed.

The harsh and cruel practices of dictators or tyrants generate an intense and increasing opposition and reactions from the subjects that may be muted for some time. But it will only be a matter of time until it will reach a boiling or tipping point which will be unstoppable, and will lead to a revolution or an assassination. Dictators are natural magnets for courtiers and self-serving advisers who cater to their narcissism and ego, making them unaware of the real situation and isolating them from the people. This makes for bad policies and governance practices and consequently bad economics that escalates public dissatisfaction and stronger opposition.

Then, there is the moral and ethical dimension of dictatorship. Truth, justice, freedom, and liberty are considered innate and basic human rights by all religions and aspirations of all civilizations. While it is possible to trade off freedom and liberty for food sufficiency and economic well-being for a period of time, truth and justice are burning desires. These may be muffled but will eventually burst forth and explode. The right to life, liberty, equality of opportunity, and pursuit of happiness are not mere rhetoric but universal values and aspirations, which are necessary conditions for the orderly and balanced progress of humanity. The advances of science and technology in all spheres of human endeavor are couched and aided by these values. In fact, the availability of information and transparency of all governance that is brought about by our speeding digital world will accelerate the shift away from autocratic or dictatorial governments. “Democracy may be delayed, but it cannot be prevented.”