10 Ruthless Dictators in World History

KingKush
May 11, 2022
5 min read

Updated: May 12, 2022

Over the course of world history, there’s been several governments that ruled their countries with an iron fist and leaders who used the powers to assert influence and control over neighboring countries and the world. Some of these great dictators were benevolent and liked by many people and some were cruel and brutal in the way they ruled. Some include, Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Adolf Hitler to name a few. These leaders were tyrants and ruled their country with absolute force and power. These leaders gained political power by use of intimidation, terror, and the abuse of power of their constitution. Here’s a look at Ten Ruthless Dictators in World History.

1. Julius Caesar

Born July 12, 100 BC, Julius Caesar is one of the most famous and important figures in world. Julius Caesar was a Roman general and statesman considered by many to be one of the greatest dictators of all time. He led the Roman army in the Gaelic wars and defeated his political rival Pompey in a civil war and became the leader of the Roman Empire until his death on March 15, 44 BC. He ruled from 49 BC until he was assassinated in 44 BC.

"Cowards die many times before their deaths"- Julius Caesar

2. Adolf Hitler

One of the most prominent and ruthless dictators in recent world history. Adolf Hitler is believed to be the most barbaric, fierce dictator of all time. Known for starting World War 2 and his responsibility in the Holocaust (Death of more than 6 million Jews). Hitler was an Austrian born German politician who was dictator of Germany ruling the Nazi Party from 1933 until 1945. Hitler started WW2 by invading Poland on September 1st, 1939.

“Do not compare yourself to others. If you do so, you are insulting yourself.”- Adolf Hitler

3. Benito Mussolini

Born July 29 ,1883 to April 28, 1945. Benito Mussolini was an Italian Journalist and a politician who became a dictator of Italy founded the National Fascist Party in 1921. Benito changed Italian society and culture by enforcing Fascist and Nationalist ideologies in Italy. He brought Italian pride especially after his successfully campaigns in WW2, colonizing countries and bringing back the Roman Empire.

Fascism is a religion. The twentieth century will be known in history as the century of Fascism". - Benito Mussolini

4. Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro was born on august 13 ,1926 to November 25, 2016. Fidel Castro was a Cuban Dictator who ruled from 1959 until 2008. He was seen as controversial by United States and the West. Especially during the Cold War between the Soviet Union and United States in 1962. The Cuban Missile Crisis has added more sanctions and bad reputation, as Castro showed friendship with Soviet Union, he quickly became a target for United States, almost being assassinated. Castro joined many Guerrilla movements overthrowing the Cuban government and becoming a ruthless dictator until his death on November 16, 2016, at 90 years old.

"A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past."- Fidel Castro

5. Kim Jung-un

Born Jan 8, 1983(39 years old), Kim Jun-un is one of the most famous dictators of recent history. Kim Jung-un is North Koreas supreme leader, he is the grandson of Kim ill- sung, the founder of North Korea since its independence in 1948. Kim Jung-un rules North Korea as totalitarian state. Kim Jung-un is believed to have ordered multiple assassinations within the regime and has expanded his nuclear program is always on United States radar as a country who is dangerous and poses a threat. Tensions between north and south Korea is on alert amidst the recent nuclear tests from Kim Jung-un.

"The days are gone forever when our enemies could blackmail us with nuclear bombs."-Kim Jong-un

6. Idi Amin

Idi Amin is one of Africa’s most ruthless dictators in world history, a Ugandan military officer who quickly rose in military ranks to become Uganda’s leader, serving as president from 1971 to 1979. Amin was feared amongst his tribe and his people, He befriended other dictators like Muammar Gaddafi and Mobutu as well as the Soviet Union. Edi Amin expelled all foreigners including British nationals and was seen as an enemy to the West. Edi Amin attempted to invade Tanzania but failed as Julius Nyerere captured Kampala and ousted Amin out of power. Amin then went in to exile in Saudi Arabia, He died in Saudi Arabia on August 16, 2003.

“You cannot run faster than a bullet.”- Idi Amin Dada

7. Vladimir Putin

Russia’s president in the office since 1999. Vladimir Putin worked as a KGB intelligence officer for 16 years then started his political career in 1991. Being in power for over 25 years , Putin has brought back Soviet era sense of pride to Russians. Putin is a risk taker, intervening in wars in Syria and Afghanistan, Georgia and more. He annexed Crimea in 2014 and invaded Ukraine on February 24,2022. As the president of the world’s biggest country in terms of land and second in military and one of the leading economies in Europe. Vladimir Putin has shifted his rule to authoritarian rule, and he is not afraid to flex his powers. Vladimir Putin is seen as the biggest challenge to United States and the West.

"Russia needs a strong state power and must have it. But I am not calling for totalitarianism."- Vladimir Putin

8. Theoneste Bagosora

Born August 16, 1941, died September 25, 2021. Bagosora is a Rwandan military officer known for his role in the 1991 Rwandan Genocide between the Hutus and Tutsi. Bagosora who was a Hutu, was engaged in national hatred d towards the Tutsi in the country. As the chief orchestrater of the Rwandan Genocide. He was sentenced to life in prison, where he died on September 25, 2021, at age 80 at Bamako, Mali. Alongside president Juvenal Habyarimana) who was a Hutu president from 973-1994, was a Hutu power dictator.

9. Mobutu Sese Seko

October 14, 1930- September 7, 1997

Mobutu was a Congolese dictator that served president from 1965-1997. Mobutu ordered the execution of President Patrick Lumumba who was a democratically elected government backed by the British and the West. Mobutu is notable for his corruption of between $ 4 billion and $ 15 billion have been stolen during his rule.

"You should steal little by little. Il faut voler petit a petit."—Joseph-Desire Mobutu Sese Seko

10. Omar Al-Bashir

Omar Al-Bashir is a Sudanese dictator who came to power in 1989 after coupe d’état toppling president Jaffar Nimeiri. Bashir quickly rose above military ranks, eventually becoming top general overthrowing the regime of Jaffar Nimeiri. Since his rule, Sudan has seen multiple civil wars in the south and the Nuba Mountains as well as in Darfur. Omar Al-Bashir has been in power for 30 years until he was ousted by the Sudanese Military led by Al-Burhan on April 11, 2019. The country is waiting to draft a new constitution and hand the country to civilian rule. Omar AL-Bashir is responsible for war crimes in Sudan as well as fraud and money stolen during his rule. Al-Bashir is indicted into the ICC and is currently awaiting trial.

"We have judicial system in Sudan. Anyone who committed a war crime, anti-human crime, or any other crime will be locked up. " Omar- Al- Bashir

Dictators are leaders that rule their countries with complete dominance, authority and control over people and resources. Dictators like Adolf Hitler, Idi Amin, Mobutu and Bagosora amongst others have reshaped governments and the people and changed ways of government forever. Having big influence on the world, they way of governance is quickly changing as people are more educated and have voice to rally up their concerns unlike before.