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 terri.