Examines dictatorships in world history from early Rome to more modern dictatorships in France, Russia, Germany, Italy, Japan, China, North Korea, Cuba, Swaziland, and Serbia.

Electronic reproduction.

Butcher of the Balkans -- From Sulla and Caesar to the Tsars : dictators of antiquity -- Dictators of the modern era -- How do dictators gain power? -- What political ideologies spawn dictatorships? -- How do dictators maintain control? -- How dangerous are dictators? -- What is life like under a dictator? -- Why have American leaders befriended dictators? -- How are dictators deposed? -- Can countries move beyond dictatorships? -- Could America be ruled by a dictator?.