Dictators Despots and Tyrants in the contemporary world

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 the Dictators and Tyrants featured in this contemporary mini-series.

Over the past 40 years or so, unscrupulous politicians – in order to stay in power – 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. 

This series uncovers the Cult of Personality in the 20th century:

President Enver Hoxha/Albania

President Nicolai Ceausescu/Romania

Colonel Haile Mariam Mengistu/Ethiopia

Emperor Jean-Bedel Bokassa/Central African Republic

President Francois Duvalier/Haiti

The Kim Cult/North Korea