Intelligence Squared What Keeps Tyrants in Power? with Marcel Dirsus
Aug 9, 2024
Marcel Dirsus, a political scientist and author of How Tyrants Fall, and Hannah Lucinda Smith, Turkey correspondent for The Times, dive deep into the mechanics of tyrannical regimes. They examine historical examples like Gaddafi and Mugabe to uncover what sustains these dictators. The discussion also highlights the transformation of democratic leaders into tyrants and the significance of nonviolent resistance. Surprising insights on social media’s dual role in empowering dissent yet reinforcing control are also explored, painting a complex picture of modern authoritarianism.
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Defining Tyranny
- Tyrants maintain power by pleasing a small group, unlike democratic leaders who need broader support.
- Marcel Dirsus defines tyranny broadly, encompassing non-democratic, cruel leaders.
Golden Gun Paradox
- The golden gun paradox describes how dictators project power but become vulnerable when forced to use it.
- Their authority relies on the perception of power, not solely on actual force.
ICC's Paradoxical Impact
- The International Criminal Court's existence paradoxically incentivizes dictators to cling to power.
- Fearing prosecution, they commit more atrocities to avoid exile or capture.
