I watched this series again to delve into the political mindset of megalomaniacal leaders across the world. Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage’s narration is absolutely jaw-dropping — his voice transports you to some of history’s darkest chapters. The series begins by showing how notorious dictators used a common playbook to climb their way to absolute power, suggesting that by following these ruthless strategies, “absolute rule can be yours too.”
This six-part documentary is both mind-boggling and thought-provoking. It presents a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of each dictator, offering chilling insights into how they manipulated fear, power, and propaganda.
For instance, Hitler’s use of the swastika as a branding tool and his strategic ability to channel hatred into mass ideology is deeply disturbing. Saddam Hussein’s cruelty even extended to executing his own sons-in-law — at the cost of his daughters’ well-being. Idi Amin’s hatred for Asians escalated into unimaginable barbarism. Stalin turned a blind eye to progressive agricultural scientists, leading to national suffering. Muammar Gaddafi deployed espionage and assassinations to eliminate rivals. And finally, the North Korean Kim dynasty’s insatiable hunger for eternal rule is laid bare.
The series expertly blends archival footage with graphic storytelling to keep the narrative gripping. It highlights how the megalomania that fuels these tyrants eventually becomes the cause of their downfall. This documentary is essential viewing for any cinephile or history enthusiast seeking to understand the psychology of tyranny.