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How Do Dictators Survive So Long?

What’s in the dictators’ survival guide?

When Robert Mugabe was deposed last year, he had ruled Zimbabwe for nearly four decades. How do dictators and authoritarians stay in power? James Tilley, a professor of politics at Oxford University in the UK, finds out what's in the dictators' survival guide. How do they control ordinary people and stop revolts? How do they stop rivals from taking over? And why are elections often helpful to securing their rule?

Producer: Bob Howard.

(Photo: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe looks on during his inauguration and swearing-in ceremony on August 22, 2013 Credit: ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images)

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23 minutes

Last on

Mon 9 Apr 201806:06GMT

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  • Mon 9 Apr 201803:06GMT
  • Mon 9 Apr 201805:06GMT
  • Mon 9 Apr 201806:06GMT

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