Trump called President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator and the leftist press claims this is a lie. So, let’s take a look at what a dictator is. A dictator is a leader who wields absolute power, typically acquired and maintained through undemocratic means. Unlike elected leaders in democratic systems, dictators usually come to power by force, manipulation, or coercion, often disregarding or dismantling political institutions that would limit their authority. This type of ruler is characterized by several key traits, including centralized control, repression of opposition, manipulation of the media, and the use of propaganda. Dictatorships often emerge in situations where a country is in turmoil, such as after a revolution, a military coup, or during periods of instability and unrest.

Key Characteristics of a Dictator

1. Absolute Power and Centralized Control: A dictator typically holds all power within the state, consolidating control over all branches of government, including the military, judiciary, and legislature. This centralization means that decisions are made by the dictator alone or a small group around them. Institutions that might traditionally act as checks on power, such as independent courts or a free press, are often undermined or silenced.                                                President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fits that characteristic.   

 Zelenskyy Marshell Law 

2. Repression of Opposition: Dictators often rule by fear, using violent or non-violent methods to eliminate or neutralize political opponents. Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and dissident groups are either banned or severely restricted. Those who oppose the regime may face imprisonment, torture, exile, or even execution. This ensures that the dictator remains unchallenged in their grip on power.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fits that characteristic.

Zelenskyy dissolves rival political parties  

3. Manipulation of the Media: To maintain control and sway public opinion, dictators often control the media, ensuring that only state-approved messages are disseminated to the public. This creates a controlled narrative that justifies their rule and attacks opposition. The media becomes an instrument for propaganda, often glorifying the dictator’s achievements and demonizing enemies.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fits that characteristic.

President Zelenskyy has consolidated all TV platforms in Ukraine into one state broadcast

4. Use of Propaganda: Dictators rely heavily on propaganda to shape the perception of their leadership both within their country and abroad. They use nationalistic rhetoric to unite people under their rule, present themselves as saviors of the nation, or frame themselves as infallible. Propaganda serves to distract the populace from the regime’s failures or to justify human rights abuses.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fits that characteristic.

How Zelensky is winning propaganda war

5. Cult of Personality: A key feature of many dictatorships is the creation of a “cult of personality” around the leader. The dictator is often depicted as a larger-than-life figure, capable of solving all the country’s problems. Statues, portraits, and public speeches are used to reinforce the idea that the leader is indispensable to the nation’s survival and success.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fits that characteristic.

How Zelenskyy became Hollywood’s man of the hour

6. Militarization: Many dictatorships heavily militarize the state, using the armed forces as a key tool of control. This includes building loyalty within the military through patronage systems or fear, as well as using the military to suppress internal uprisings or conflicts. In many cases, the leader comes from a military background, and the regime operates under a state of constant military readiness.

       President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fits that characteristic.

Ukrainian police participate in hostilities

7. Suppression of Freedoms: Dictatorships often see the suppression of basic freedoms such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion. Citizens live in an atmosphere of surveillance, fear of retribution, and restricted access to information. Any form of dissent is considered treasonous, and harsh measures are taken against those who challenge the regime.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fits that characteristic.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has signed into law legislation banning religious organizations

Examples of Dictators

1. Adolf Hitler (Germany): One of the most infamous dictators of the 20th century, Hitler led Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. He used intense propaganda, including the media, to push nationalist and racist ideologies, which led to World War II and the Holocaust. His dictatorial rule was marked by militarization, the suppression of opposition, and the creation of a cult of personality around his figure.
2. Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union): Stalin ruled the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953. His reign was marked by widespread purges, the forced collectivization of agriculture, and a series of brutal campaigns against perceived enemies of the state. Stalin was responsible for the deaths of millions through executions, forced labor camps, and famine.
3. Kim Jong-un (North Korea): The current leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, continues the legacy of dictatorial rule established by his grandfather Kim Il-sung and father Kim Jong-il. His regime is marked by strict control over the population, a cult of personality, and aggressive military posturing. The government maintains absolute control over its citizens’ lives and employs brutal repression to maintain loyalty to the ruling family.
4. Saddam Hussein (Iraq): Hussein ruled Iraq from 1979 to 2003, maintaining power through a combination of brutality, repression, and manipulation of ethnic and sectarian divisions. He used the military and intelligence services to squash opposition, and his reign was marked by severe human rights abuses, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians.
5. Muammar Gaddafi (Libya): Gaddafi ruled Libya for over 40 years from 1969 until he died in 2011. He established a personality cult and controlled all aspects of Libyan life. Gaddafi used state funds to maintain loyalty within the military and intelligence services, and his regime was marked by repression of opposition, extravagant public displays of his rule, and violations of international law.

In conclusion, according to AI dictatorships are characterized by absolute power, repression, propaganda, and a cult of personality. They arise when power is concentrated in the hands of one individual who controls the government and suppresses opposition to maintain their grip on power. Dictators like Hitler, Stalin, Kim Jong-un, Saddam Hussein, and Gaddafi show how these characteristics play out in different contexts, often leading to human suffering, instability, and international conflict. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fits every single characteristic of a dictator without exception. Trump is right, the left is wrong, and is on the side of a dictator defending him.

C. Rich

CRich@AmericaSpeaksInk.com

C. Rich

C. Rich is the voice behind America Speaks Ink, home to the America First Movement. As an author, poet, freelance ghostwriter, and blogger, C. Rich brings a “baked-in” perspective shaped by growing up on the streets and beaches of South Florida in the 1970s-1980s and brings a quintessential Generation-X point of view.

Rich’s writing journey began in 2008 with coverage of the Casey Anthony trial and has since evolved into a wide-ranging exploration of politics, culture, and the issues that define our times. Follow C. Rich’s writing odyssey here at America Speaks Ink and on Amazon with a multi-book series on Donald Trump called “Trump Era: The MAGA Files” and many other books and subjects C. Rich is known to cover.

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