Skip to main content

TED-Ed

Has there ever been a good dictator? - Stephanie Honchell Smith

1,412,783 Views

3,161 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Under certain conditions, the idea of a dictator can sound appealing, like when a democracy isn’t functioning as it should due to corruption or political polarization. People may believe the solution is a "benevolent dictator"— a leader who only uses their absolute power for the common good. But can such a leader actually exist in today’s world? Stephanie Honchell Smith examines this common myth.

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.


About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

Educator
Stephanie Honchell Smith
Director
Avi Ofer
Narrator
Addison Anderson
Composer
André Aires
Sound Designer
André Aires, João Pamplona Mendes
Produced by
Gerta Xhelo, Abdallah Ewis
Editorial Director
Alex Rosenthal
Editorial Producer
Shannon Odell
Expert Consultant
Ruth Ben-Ghiat

More from Government: Declassified