By playing on fears of ethnic or religious conflict, or by stoking economic anxieties, dictators can rally support from certain segments of the population, while demonizing their opponents as threats to national unity. This us-versus-them mentality can be used to justify repressive policies and crackdowns on dissent, further entrenching the dictator's hold on power. Once in power, dictators typically rely on a combination of fear, propaganda, and repression to maintain their grip on the country. By controlling the flow of information and suppressing dissenting voices, dictators can manipulate public opinion and ensure that any challenges to their authority are swiftly silenced.
