Episode
#102 - Frank Dikotter - How To Be A Dictator
41:33
Published: Thu Sep 12 2019
Description
Frank Dikotter is a historian and author. The 20th Century was characterised by an attempt on the one hand to build up civil society and have cheques & balances, and on the other hand an attempt to concentrate power into the hand of a single dictator. Expect to learn what the characteristics of a dictator are, why the 20th century created a perfect petri dish for this proliferation, how a dictator coerces his people into supporting him and how dictators deal with the paradox of hiding their goals of tyranny in a democratic society. Extra Stuff: Buy How To Be A Dictator - https://amzn.to/2PZSlFd Check out Frank's Website - http://www.frankdikotter.com Check out everything I recommend from books to products and help support the podcast at no extra cost to you by shopping through this link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/modernwisdom - Get in touch. Join the discussion with me and other like minded listeners in the episode comments on the MW YouTube Channel or message me... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ModernWisdomPodcast Email: https://www.chriswillx.com/contact
Chapters
Frank Dickutter's book examines the tactics used by eight modern-day dictators to solidify power and maintain control over their nations.
00:00 - 04:45 (04:45)
Summary
Frank Dickutter's book examines the tactics used by eight modern-day dictators to solidify power and maintain control over their nations. With the rise of democracy in many parts of the world, understanding the methods of dictators is crucial to preserving freedom and human rights.
Episode#102 - Frank Dikotter - How To Be A Dictator
PodcastModern Wisdom
The rise of a dictator is explored beyond their ideology as the influence of their individual personality is considered to play a significant role.
04:45 - 09:36 (04:51)
Summary
The rise of a dictator is explored beyond their ideology as the influence of their individual personality is considered to play a significant role. While some may have started with democratic intentions, most ultimately become convinced that they must wield absolute power.
Episode#102 - Frank Dikotter - How To Be A Dictator
PodcastModern Wisdom
This episode explores the paradoxical nature of Kim Il-sung's leadership style, where he simultaneously had to make all major decisions on his own yet be wary of enemies and plots around him.
09:36 - 22:09 (12:32)
Summary
This episode explores the paradoxical nature of Kim Il-sung's leadership style, where he simultaneously had to make all major decisions on his own yet be wary of enemies and plots around him. He managed to play two major superpowers, China and the Soviet Union, against each other to obtain more independence for North Korea.
Episode#102 - Frank Dikotter - How To Be A Dictator
PodcastModern Wisdom
The world of a good dictatorship involves actors, from the dictator to the citizens, who put on a show for the outside world while hiding the reality of the situation.
22:09 - 28:33 (06:23)
Summary
The world of a good dictatorship involves actors, from the dictator to the citizens, who put on a show for the outside world while hiding the reality of the situation. The citizens are forced to perform and show their support for the leader, while living in rather dire circumstances.
Episode#102 - Frank Dikotter - How To Be A Dictator
PodcastModern Wisdom
The use of terms like coup, dictator, and cult of personality to refer to democratically elected leaders may result in losing perspective on the history of dictatorships.
28:34 - 35:11 (06:36)
Summary
The use of terms like coup, dictator, and cult of personality to refer to democratically elected leaders may result in losing perspective on the history of dictatorships. However, the awareness of the 20th century's dictators and a history of defeating them have also reinforced democracy.
Episode#102 - Frank Dikotter - How To Be A Dictator
PodcastModern Wisdom
This podcast explores the characteristics of modern dictatorships, their limitations in administering sophisticated societies, and the potential for uprisings from within or intervention from other governments to end their reigns.
35:11 - 40:27 (05:16)
Summary
This podcast explores the characteristics of modern dictatorships, their limitations in administering sophisticated societies, and the potential for uprisings from within or intervention from other governments to end their reigns.
Episode#102 - Frank Dikotter - How To Be A Dictator
PodcastModern Wisdom
The interview discusses the book 'How to Be a Dictator' and dives into the tactics that some of history's most notorious dictators have used to gain and maintain power.
40:27 - 41:19 (00:51)
Summary
The interview discusses the book 'How to Be a Dictator' and dives into the tactics that some of history's most notorious dictators have used to gain and maintain power.