List of Dictators

The following is a list of national leaders (Heads of state and/or Head of government) commonly regarded as modern dictators. This usage usually carries a pejorative sense and refers to a ruler who:


 * is an absolute ruler of a sovereign state;
 * governs outside the otherwise accepted rule of law;
 * commonly (but not necessarily) gained power through fraud or a coup d'état, or resorts to them to stay in power;
 * may develop a cult of personality;
 * may be autocratic, oppressive, despotic or tyrannical.

Some so-called "benevolent dictators" may be viewed as beneficial and their leadership seen as a "necessary evil". The modern usage of the term 'dictator' developed largely in response to instances of autocratic rule in republics, so traditional monarchs are not usually described as dictators in historical commentary. Also excluded from this list are those who held absolute power during national emergencies, but restored the rule of law soon thereafter. Otherwise those included have been widely cited by historians or described by the media as dictators. Any controversy surrounding such characterisation is mentioned in the notes.

The list is sorted according to when each dictator began their years in power. This refers to any years in office as a head of state, government or the like before their dictatorship was established. Any years of elected and judicial rule may be indicated parenthetically.