The Dictator’s Playbook

How do dictators manage to sway millions of people to do their bidding? Learn how six different political leaders used indoktrination and fear to control entire countries and shape the outcome of massive historical events.

Dig into The Dictator’s Playbook as this documentary series takes a look at how dictators from across the world seized and lost power. What forces stood against them and who bent to their will? Learn the answers as the series reveals a governance of pure brutality, leaders with a cult of personality and total annexation of power.

Episode 1: Kim Il Sung

The first episode looks towards North Korea where the Kim Dynasty has ruled with an iron hand since World War two. But how did they gain control of the country?

Witness how Kim Il Sung transformed from lowly guerrilla fighter to a ruthless dictator of North Korea. This is the story how he built the most controlled society on earth.

Episode 2: Benito Mussolini

See why Benito Mussolini was considered a pioneer among 20th century dictators. From undermining judges to indoctrinating children, he forged key tactics for seizing power. He also created fascism, an ideology that would plunge Europe into darkness.

Episode 3: Manuel Noriega

Watch Manuel Noriega rise through the Panamanian military to become chief of intelligence – and then, military dictator. He spied for the United States, but in the end, money laundering, drug trafficking and political crimes led to his downfall.

Episode 4: Idi Amin

Idi Amin Dada Oumee (c. 1925 – 16 August 2003) was a Ugandan military officer who served as the President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. Popularly known as the “Butcher of Uganda”, he is considered one of the cruellest despots in world history.

Episode 5: Francisco Franco

Learn how Francisco Franco used the tactics of colonial war to win control of Spain. Driven by a deeply conservative vision, he used torture, murder and incarceration to transform Spanish Society.

Episode 6: Saddam Hussein

Learn how Saddam Hussein ruled Iraq with an iron fist for almost 30 years. To maintain power, he used fear, intimidation and violence like few other dictators in history, but he made the fatal mistake of believing his regime could take on the world.