Final answer:
Dictators and warlords inspire fear by using economic intimidation, military might, and violence against opposition to maintain authority. Propaganda and media manipulation promote their agenda and suppress dissent, often to the extent that even elections lack legitimacy. Totalitarian dictatorships further enforce control by attempting to regulate all aspects of life, including personal beliefs and public displays of loyalty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dictators and warlords inspire fear through various mechanisms to perpetuate their authority. Economic intimidation and military might, along with the use of violence against opposition, are common tactics that discourage dissent and create a culture of fear. Individuals who are fearful for their basic needs and safety are less likely to oppose a regime. Moreover, many dictators rise through military ranks, becoming conditioned to utilizing violence as a means of maintaining control.
While some leaders like Napoleon and Anwar Sadat may be seen as 'benevolent' for improving living standards or being fair, others like Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Pol Pot, and Robert Mugabe are infamous for ruling through fear and intimidation. These dictators have used propaganda to glorify themselves and suppress any dissent, which has been essential for them to structure and maintain power violently and deceitfully.
Authoritarian regimes often make use of media manipulation to control the narrative and present the regime positively while demonizing any opposition. These tactics extend to elections, which may be manipulative and not free or fair, thus questioning the legitimacy of such governments. Totalitarian dictatorships may also attempt to control every aspect of people's lives, forcing them to demonstrate allegiance through forced public demonstrations.
Finally, harmful propaganda and dehumanization often play a role in dictatorial regimes. By portraying the opposition as less than human, it becomes easier for societies to accept violence against them. International efforts to prevent such atrocities emphasize the need for countering hate propaganda and holding accountable those who incite violence.