Chrystia Freeland

The one source of criticism even the most repressive authoritarian leader cannot silence is the outside world. Autocrats are usually thin-skinned and like to be admired, so at least, at first, they often seek to be praised abroad.

Canadian Musician

Tom Stoppard

One senses that all the Bolsheviks, even those who ended up as cold-blooded autocrats, had been on a journey from idealism to something else, and didn't notice - to mix periods - when the Rubicon was crossed.

English Dramatist

Masha Gessen

Donald Trump ran for autocrat, he didn't run for president. The first thing in autocrat does is take over the media, or alienate the media, which is what Trump is doing, he is doing it actively.

Russian Journalist

Narendra Modi

If I am judged for my work, many myths about me as an autocrat or otherwise would become clearer. I feel false propaganda will not last, and truth will ultimately prevail.

Indian Politician

Tom Hiddleston

You look at the greatest villains in human history, the fascists, the autocrats, they all wanted people to kneel before them because they don't love themselves enough.

English Actor

Mona Eltahawy

When we complain to Egypt's Western allies about whichever autocrat is in power, we are asked, 'But who is the alternative?' It is a question designed to frustrate.

Egyptian Journalist

David Dellinger

No matter how superficially fair the judge is, he is still the complete autocrat in the courtroom, and he still comes from the ruling class.

Catherine the Great

I shall be an autocrat: that's my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that's his.

Russian Royalty

Joy Reid

Trump has humbled our country under the shadow of China's autocrat Xi Jinping.

American Journalist

Lawrence Durrell

No one can go on being a rebel too long without turning into an autocrat.

British Writer

Emphasizes abuse of power and no accountability, often in politics or history.

Power Abuse

Carries a negative meaning, suggesting unfairness or cruelty in leadership.

Negative Connotation

Used in literature to portray a character with absolute power, often a villain.

Literary Usage

Often used to describe a controlling type of boss or supervisor in a work setting.

Workplace Authoritarian

Used to critique someone who enforces their will on others in social groups.

Social Dynamics

When describing a person, it indicates someone who is unreasonably controlling and demanding.

Colloquially Negative

 that citizens of free societies -- actually, citizens of any society -- need humor as much as the air we breathe. This is why the extremists, the dictators, the autocrats and, frankly, all the ideologues of the world