Presidents, Prime Ministers, Monarchs & Dictators

Global
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Aug 24, 2025 • 32min

217. Mohammed bin Salman – Saudi Arabia (2017-)

Jonathan Rugman, a documentary maker and author, dives deep into the life and reign of Mohammed bin Salman, the controversial Saudi ruler. He discusses MBS's balancing act between progressive reforms and authoritarianism while examining the chilling assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Rugman sheds light on Saudi Arabia's economic transformation under Vision 2030, the ruler's popularity bolstered by social media, and the complex international relationships shaping the kingdom's future.
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Aug 17, 2025 • 38min

216. Enver Hoxha – Albania (1941-85)

Iain Dale talks to Julia Langdon about the rise and rule of a man who ruled Albania for more than four decades.The Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
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Aug 10, 2025 • 58min

215. Benito Mussolini – Italy (1922-43)

Iain Dale talks to Vanda Wilcox about the life and rule of the man who tried to properly unite Italy but ended up ruining it by his alliance with HitlerThe Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
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Aug 3, 2025 • 42min

214. Walter Ulbricht – East Germany (1950-71)

Iain Dale talks to historian Dr Robert Waller about the first leader of the German Democratic Republic, East Germany, whose iron rule lasted for 21 years.The Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
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Jul 28, 2025 • 30min

213. Alexander the Great – Macedonia (346BC-323BC)

Iain Dale talks to historian Matthew Binkowski about the man who conquered an empire stretching from Europe into South Asia.The Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
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Jul 20, 2025 • 42min

212. Hugo Chavez – Venezuela (1999-2013)

Iain Dale talks to former Guardian Latin American correspondent Rory Carroll about the Venezuelan dictator who brought his country to its knees.The Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
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Jul 13, 2025 • 37min

211. Mao Zedong – China (1943-76)

Iain Dale talks to china expert Jonathan Clements about the dictator that saw 70 million people die during his long ruleThe Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
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Jul 6, 2025 • 32min

210. Joseph-Désiré Mobutu – Congo (later Zaire) (1971-97)

Iain Dale talks to political journalist Harry Lambert about the life and rule of one of Africa’s most brutal dictators.
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Jun 29, 2025 • 52min

209. Augusto Pinochet – Chile (1973-90)

Iain Dale talks to former US diplomat and law professor Colleen Graffy about the life of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinchochet.
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Jun 22, 2025 • 34min

208. Alfredo Stroessner – Paraquay (1954-89)

Iain Dale talks to political journalist Adam Boulton about the life and career of Paraquayan dictator, Alfredo Stroessner.

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