Become Robin Hood"
The Roman poet Juvenal once said, "Two things only the people anxiously desire: bread and circuses." What does this mean for a would-be dictator? Simple: if you give the people what they want and what they need, they'll be putty in your hands.
Every successful regime change starts with a splash of public projects. After Saddam Hussein's coup—which saw politicians escorted to firing squads in full view of television cameras—he quickly invested in housing projects, public health services, and other infrastructure developments. Gaddafi did the same in Libya, and Hitler's improvements to the economy played a crucial role in his rise to power.
Why? Because the people are far more likely to forgive and even become loyal to a leader who makes their lives better from the get-go. It's a tried-and-true strategy: corporations that execute hostile takeovers often soften the blow by offering free pizza and beer to the staff they didn't fire. After all, pizza and beer are cheaper than dealing with a strike, and housing projects are better than facing a revolt.
But here's the thing—you don't need to make grand gestures. Sometimes, it's the small, everyday improvements that win the hearts of the people. Look at Lee Kuan Yew, often seen as a benevolent dictator. Sure, imprisoning the opposition for two years without trial or appeal doesn't exactly scream "benevolence," but let's focus on his softer side.
His government set up a dating service for single graduates, launched campaigns for better aim in public toilets, and took a strong stance against littering and pornography. There were also efforts to preserve family traditions that encouraged children to be more courteous. And, of course, who could forget the ban on chewing gum? Thanks to that, the streets of Singapore were impressively clean.
So, when you make your first big move as the new top dog, remember to bring a box of donuts to sweeten your image. It's the little things that count.