THE BENEVOLENT DICTATORSHIP- A VERITABLE GUIDE

INTRODUCTION TO DICTATORSHIP-

Dictatorship is most aggravated form of slavery where the ruler exercises his full control over the country. It is autocratic form of government where the ultimate decision making authority is the ruler or the dictator. In other words, it is the government of absolute rule without any legal restrictions and is unaffected by any social or political factors.

This article is an attempt to bring about coherence as to-

·       What is ‘Benevolent Dictatorship’?

·       How it is different from Dictatorship?

·       Who is Benevolent Dictator?

·       Who can be a good Benevolent Dictator?

·       The Benevolent Dictatorship Culture

·       What are some of the startling instances of such form of dictatorship?

WHAT IS BENEVOLENT DICTATORSHIP?

Benevolent Dictatorship is basically the form of dictatorship where ruler exercises his control and rule the country but in consonance with interests of public. In layman’s language, it is a form of government where the leader or dictator is in power because of the selection made by people there and the leader is bound to prioritize public interests at first place. This necessitates the wise use of power and prevents any form of abuse of power as the benevolent dictator loses his position and power if he does anything contrary to public interests.

How is it different from Dictatorship?

Well, it should be noted that Benevolent Dictatorship is one of the kinds of Dictatorship. However, in Dictatorship the ruler is not concerned about people and their interests and rules the country with utmost rigidity, toughness and sternness. On the other hand, in Benevolent Dictatorship the ruler is chosen by people and he puts public interests at first instance and if not then he is removed from the position and denied of any of the powers.

WHO IS BENEVOLENT DICTATOR?

The term ‘benevolent dictator’ is itself illuminating where the decision making authority vests with the dictator by virtue of his personality and experience. The Benevolent dictator is expected to use his powers wisely and in sagacious manner.

Although the ‘Benevolent Dictator’ is a standard and worthy term for this role but it should be assumed as the community approved or group accepted arbitrator. These kinds of dictators usually don’t dictate much. Instead they facilitate discussions and experimentations so to let things work out. Further, the dictators themselves participate in such discussions as regular developers. However, if no consensus is reached on and there is requirement of any form of guidance, then dictator makes the decision accordingly. Therefore, reluctance to make decisions by fiat is one of the traits possessed by successful benevolent dictators.

WHO CAN BE A GOOD BENEVOLENT DICTATOR? WHAT ARE THE TRAITS REQUIRED?

Being a Benevolent Dictator requires a blend of traits and characteristics which are as follows-

TRAITS	DESCRIPTION
i.          Sensitivity	The dictator should be well honed sensitive that may bring him self-restraint. He should have ability to recognize and acknowledge both good and bad decisions.
ii.          Competence	The dictator should possess technical competence and skills. He should be able to persuade others to join him whenever required.
iii.          Tenacity	The benevolent dictator should have a hold over the people and direct them to the right direction
iv.          Leadership	The dictator should possess leadership quality so to lead the people and arrive at an agreed and mutual consensus

 

THE BENEVOLENT DICTATORSHIP CULTURE-

In this section, I would like to bring to the knowledge of readers that Singapore is the best example to illustrate the culture of the country having benevolent dictatorship. Singapore is the clean and prosperous city which once was a poor country 40 years back. To improvise the situation of Singapore and bring the country to the growing track, the benevolent dictator named, Lee Kuan Yew has intervened into every single aspect of lives of people living there.

To control the increasing population, he set up free family planning clinics and mounted education campaigns for the same. The country required every person to save 25% of their salaries. This enormous forced savings is a key secret to the country’s economic development and prosperity. Further, anti-social behavior was not permitted and fines were imposed on doing so. There was prohibition on drug trafficking, smoking, littering, jaywalking and so on.

Ironically, none of the Singaporeans were unhappy with this kind of government as they believed that rules and regulations make sense. No one feared the government who was regulating the country for public good. There was dictatorship with free speech and no corruption.

Therefore, Singapore was a country that through the means of capitalists’ economy, it aimed at acquiring social ends.

STARTLING INSTANCES OF BENEVOLENT DICTATORSHIP-

1.     Indian Mauryan Empire-

Ashoka The Great ruled the Indian Mauryan Empire which was one of the largest empires of its time. When Ashoka gained power, he ruled in cruel and efficient manner and used might of his military to control his empire. In his rule, initially the prisoners were tortured. Also Ashoka led a war against Kalinga with the aim to acquire that land and add on to his empire. As a result of this was, about 300,000 causalities occurred which made Ashoka regret on his conduct. He thereafter publicly expressed his regret. He issued proclamations thereby directing his officials to help the poor and elderly, to facilitate medical related services and to work on projects on  public works such as planting of trees.

 

2.     Turkish Government-

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk started his military career as the commander in Ottoman army. Gradually, he was promoted after the Allied Invasion in 1915. Further, he organized a resistance towards the treaty that gave Allies the right to occupy the forts that controlled major waterways. He demanded full independence of Turkey and the Turkish parliament had to fight for its independence against Armenian forces until 1923. In 1923, Mustafa signed Treaty of Lausanne that established the Republic of Turkey and he became first president of country.

Mustafa aimed at modernizing the country and making it a secular state with Constitution that separates religion from government. He established railway network and state-owned factories and also emancipated the women. He was a benevolent dictator who advanced his nation and liberated people.

 

3.     Sasanian Empire-

Khosrow was a Persian king who ruled the Sasanian Empire and he began reforming the empire which was declining. The most important reform brought in by him was tax reform that created a fair system thereby creating more stable economy.

 

4.     Prussia

Fredrick II was the third king of Prussia who contributed to Prussia by making it one of the great states of Europe. He was decisive in spreading and strengthening the ideas of the enlightened government. Fredrick II was religiously tolerant and prioritize the state over personal interests or dynastic interest.

 

GURNEET KAUR

BBA LLB (H)

ICFAI UNIVERSITY, DEHRADUN

EMAIL- gurneetkaur53@gmail.com

 

 Disclaimer: This article is the personal opinion of the author. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any Indian Government or any other Government of the world.