6.3.1.3   Dictatorships

(This is an archived page, from the Patterns of Power Edition 3 book.  Current versions are at book contents).

Dictators justify their seizure of power by declaring a need for change; examples include:

·     Military coups, such as those in Iraq[1] and Pakistan[2] in the 20^th century, often claim a need to impose law and order; they can be associated with economic dissatisfaction among the population.

·     Some coups d'état are justified purely by claims that the current incumbent is performing badly.

·     Nationalist struggles, like those which expelled the colonial powers in Africa, are waged in the name of freedom.

Max Weber, in his lecture Politics as a Vocation, referred to the "charismatic authority" exerted by a dictator, whose legitimacy is granted by virtue of people's respect for the leader and enthusiasm for the cause – though a new government then has to install institutions to become a relatively stable one-party State as described previously (6.3.1.2).  Continued legitimacy depends upon being seen to govern in the interests of the people. 

It is difficult for a dictatorship to achieve a smooth handover of power at the end of the leader's term of office.  A coup d'état has been the solution in many cases, but that can lead to violence.  The best hope is for a peaceful transition to an elected presidency.