Since love and fear cannot coexist, if one has to choose, fearing love might feel safer—a thought shared by Machiavelli in 'The Prince' that resonates with the reality of today's world. People increasingly lean towards choosing leaders they fear rather than trust. Former Ambassador Rajiv Dogra’s new book, 'Autocrats… Charisma, Power and Their Lives', holds a mirror to this unyielding face of authoritarianism. Through an honest lens, it examines the dominance of autocratic leaders across various nations and how their rule reflects the dynamics of political power.
Across the globe, numerous governments are led by leaders who have been entrenched in power for years. While they maintain the façade of democracy and elections, these are often just for show. From Kim Jong-un in North Korea to Erdogan in Turkey, a significant part of the world seems resigned to the presence of such larger-than-life rulers. Dogra’s work explores this phenomenon, shedding light on the allure and charisma these figures wield, shaping the political landscapes of their respective countries.
Author Rajiv Dogra notes that around 80% of the world’s population lives under powerful rulers in some form. In 'Autocrats… Charisma, Power and Their Lives', Dogra explores historical examples of how people are conditioned to accept authoritarian regimes and their methods. Reflecting on his time in Romania, he recalls the intense fear people had of their dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu. People were so terrified that they would even fear their own shadow, constantly glancing over their shoulders on the street, worried they were being followed. Dogra’s work sheds light on the atmosphere of fear and suspicion that authoritarian leaders often cultivate to maintain control.
While walking in a park, people in Romania during Nicolae Ceaușescu's rule would watch carefully to see if anyone on a bench held a newspaper unusually close to their face. The reason was chilling: they feared that a newspaper with a hole might be used by a state spy to watch them. Such was the atmosphere of suspicion created by Ceaușescu’s authoritarian rule, which kept Romania under tight control for nearly 25 years, conditioning people to constantly look over their shoulders in a society where personal privacy and freedom were luxuries. Rajiv Dogra’s book delves into these oppressive tactics, painting a vivid picture of life under dictatorship.
Who are dictators? Why do authoritarian leaders keep emerging in different parts of the world? How are the foundations of dictatorship often strengthened under the guise of democracy? These intriguing questions were at the heart of a recent discussion at Delhi’s India Habitat Centre. Former ambassador and author Rajiv Dogra, diplomat Pavan Varma, and ambassador Bhawati Mukherjee engaged in a conversation exploring the many dimensions of autocracy. They examined how such rulers rise to power, sustain their rule, and the societal impacts of authoritarianism, reflecting insights from Dogra's latest book on the subject.
During the discussion, Dogra pointed out that around 70% of the global population is under some form of authoritarian control. Citing current examples, he remarked, “Two out of the three superpowers today are ruled by authoritarian regimes—Russia and China are prime examples.” Dogra also expressed concern that if Trump were to win in the United States, it could potentially move in a similar direction. He argued that conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war or the turmoil in West Asia are direct consequences of authoritarian governance, emphasizing that such regimes often lead to instability and oppression.
Ambassador Pavan Varma emphasized the importance of discussing this pattern, as many countries’ citizens are increasingly drawn to strong leadership. He noted that Dogra, in his book, adopts a cautious tone, hinting at hope with the phrase, “That morning will come someday.” In response, Dogra acknowledged this perspective, adding that glimpses of authoritarian rule have historically reappeared in phases, suggesting that the world is likely to witness similar tendencies in the future.
Overall, this discussion highlighted the weaknesses of democratic governance and the duplicity often seen in various systems driven by internal interests. The panellists agreed on one key point: while the era of dictators may eventually pass, the painful memories created under their rule may fade, but they leave cracks in democratic values. These cracks often become entry points for new authoritarian figures who exploit weakened democratic foundations and establish long-lasting control. This cycle, as explored by Dogra and others, raises questions about the resilience of democratic systems and the persistent allure of authoritarian leadership.