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One person with absolute power -

A dictator is a political leader who possesses absolute power and authority. Often associated with brutal tendencies towards their own people, dictators can define laws and punishments in all areas of government and military.

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How they come to power -

However, a dictator doesn't necessarily seize power illegally. For example, Adolf Hitler's Nazi party won legal elections in 1932 through simple majority votes.

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Changing the law -

After coming to legitimate power, dictators sometimes twist the law to their favor. And they're cheered along the way.

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Promise of safety -

The desire for authority is often a reflection of the fear of loss of control and safety. So if people are afraid, they might follow a dictator, even if it costs them rights and freedoms.

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Commune with the divine -

On Mansu Hill in Pyongyang, North Korea, stand two colossal statues of leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. In a religious manner, North Koreans walk up to the statues with their arms held to their sides and bow in rows.

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Freud explains -

Sigmund Freud once explained that dictators prey upon religious impulses by crafting secular cults around themselves.

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More than a political leader -

With iconography and rituals reminiscent of religious ceremonies, these leaders can even fulfill the function of gods. However, not only gods...

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A craving for strong parental figures -

One of the fundamental factors as to why people are drawn to the idea of a higher authority or power is the need for an idealized parental figure.

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When the craving increases -

This is partly because parents are the basis for your survival during childhood. And when things go awry with flawed parents, for many the craving for the support of a strong, powerful parent figure only increases.

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Only an illusion -

Unfortunately, this thirst for a parental figure can blind one to the fact that no such perfect figure exists. A tyrannical leader can easily exploit this unquestioning worship.

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Assuming the best in others -

In a healthy society, mutual trust is a cornerstone of community strength. But, unfortunately, our goodwill and faith in human kindness can sometimes fool us to the point of manipulation.

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Underestimating tyrants -

Sadly, people underestimate the machinations of tyrants, who don't have any concerns for others and do whatever they can to get ahead.

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Possible admiration -

On some level, people admire or even envy authoritarian leaders. Confidence, power, and/or money are all things they have, which you might want and strive for.

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Identification -

Then there are people who actually identify with, and admire, the predatory behavior of dictators. Even if it's only on some level.

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The dark side of humans -

On some level, some people admire the dark side that they suppress within themselves or feel that they can't pursue. They then enjoy the freedom tyrants have to break rules and achieve their glory.

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Drawn to superficial markers -

Humans are sadly status-oriented creatures, who are obsessed with clothes, cars, name brands, titles, fame, and glamour. So when a strong leader exhibits these superficial markers, it's easy for people to put them on a pedestal.

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There's no moral correlation -

However, these markers usually have no correlation to morality, kindness, or depth of human character. They're only badges of entitlement to show off.

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Feeling weak or uncertain in our own lives -

When people are scared, in a crisis, or simply feel a lack of control in their own life, they turn to fantasy figures to get a sense of power and strength.

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Enchanted by charisma and strength -

Be it politicians or celebrities, people turn to figures who possess charisma, strength, and power, which are some of the ingredients of an authoritarian leader.

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A strange reassurance -

These charismatic types are masters of outward confidence, which is reassuring for those who feel unsteady or insecure.

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People are drawn in -

When your life seems to be breaking down, it's the allure of the person who seems to have it all that draws you in. Even if it's all a bogus promise.

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Cowardice and passivity -

Perhaps due to fear of responsibility or retribution, some people would rather stay safe on the sidelines and let someone else run the show.

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The dangers of passivity -

This passivity can work to some extent in terms of hiding from initial attention or conflict. However, it's a dangerous way to let tyrants proceed without accountability.

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Popularity and aligning with others -

People have a tendency to get influenced by leaders with a big following. In other words, people easily fall into peer pressure.

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A common social pattern -

Sadly, peer pressure isn't a social pattern that changes in adult society. This is why many people might easily align with a certain leader.

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Clique acceptance -

Then there's also those who achieve more power and followers by siding with the designated "norms." Those followers enjoy clique acceptance, even when the leader is malicious.

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Lack of critical thought -

The truth is that it's easier to be exploited by a confident tyrant when you don't critically question or examine their statements or motivations.

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Going along without logical sense -

Unfortunately, many people seem fine with going along with the status quo. They're unwilling to stay informed, and unbothered about questioning things that don't make logical sense.

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Lack of critical thought and logic -

They're also not as skeptical or worried about too much power concentrated with one single individual.

Sources: (Psychology Today) (Grunge) (Aeon)

See also: Meet the wives of infamous dictators

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