I was thinking recently about whether the popular liberal conception of a “dictator” was even feasible, and you’ve just crystallized my opinion that it was always a childish model of reality.
When do you think it originated? Was it during the Cold War with portrayals of Stalin and Mao?
The modern conception definitely spawned as part of the larger “authoritarianism” propaganda at the start of the Cold War. I’d say the idea that one person rules with an iron fist is the simplistic view of politics stretching back throughout civilization though, so it’s not exactly an original idea.
I was thinking recently about whether the popular liberal conception of a “dictator” was even feasible, and you’ve just crystallized my opinion that it was always a childish model of reality.
When do you think it originated? Was it during the Cold War with portrayals of Stalin and Mao?
The modern conception definitely spawned as part of the larger “authoritarianism” propaganda at the start of the Cold War. I’d say the idea that one person rules with an iron fist is the simplistic view of politics stretching back throughout civilization though, so it’s not exactly an original idea.
Thanks, Hannah arendt
Sulla maybe? He too was a figurehead for the most reactionary faction of roman elites