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[–] 123 points 8 months ago (2 children)

That's the thing about authoritarians: they attract authoritarian followers (thought not exclusively). If the authoritarian at the top fails to recognize those of their followers that have the same traits and give them enough of a "fiefdom" to rule, then they betray. It's one of the things that makes fully authoritarian rule fragile (most long-term successful dictators ensure they give enough power to the right people under them).

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  • [–] 36 points 8 months ago

    First Rule of Fascism: You can piss off your citizens, you can piss off your staff, but you absolutely cannot piss off your military leaders. They actually hold the power, and would have no problem just shooting you in the face, if the situation was dire enough.

    Also, friendly reminder than Stalin died a horrible and painful death because he told his guards to not disturb him, and he lied there in a pool of his own piss until most of the day was gone. Extreme punishments for breaches of protocol come with a cost.

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