Dictator Test
Do you have things in common with infamous dictators?
Horrific dictators both fascinate and repulse. It has been said that from time to time, we are all dictators in our daydreams. This test will probe if you have things in common with any of seven infamous dictators, using a composite model of your psychological attitudes and personality traits.
Do you have views in common with infamous dictators? For each of the following statements, indicate your level of agreement below.
Question 1 of 35
I am much smarter than I let on when I speak.
Disagree | Agree |
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The IDRLabs Dictator Test is inspired by psychometric methodology and based on research into historical events and dictatorships led by authoritarian despots.
The test provides feedback such as the following:
Hitler was known for his intense and unwavering determination. He possessed an unshakable belief in his own abilities and vision, which fueled his rise to power and his ability to rally the masses. He was also described as highly self-confident, often exuding an air of self-assurance in his public appearances. Charismatic and persuasive, Hitler had the ability to mesmerize and inspire his followers with his powerful oratory and grandiose speeches. His charisma played a significant role in his political success and his ability to maintain a loyal following. On the flip side, Hitler was known for his volatility and quick temper. He could be erratic and impulsive in decision-making, which sometimes led to disastrous consequences for his regime and the world. Furthermore, Hitler exhibited an authoritarian personality, demanding absolute loyalty and obedience from his inner circle. He was known for his distrust of others and frequently purged those he suspected of disloyalty. In summary, Adolf Hitler's personality was characterized by intense determination, self-confidence, charisma, volatility, and authoritarianism. These traits played a significant role in shaping his leadership style and his impact on history.
Stalin was renowned for his ruthlessness and formidable capacity for strategic thinking. He possessed a keen intellect and the ability to manipulate political situations to his advantage. His shrewdness in consolidating power within the Soviet Union was a defining characteristic of his leadership. He was also known for his unyielding determination and a strong sense of conviction in his political ideology. Stalin's unwavering commitment to Marxism-Leninism was evident in his pursuit of industrialization and collectivization, albeit at great human cost. Stalin could be both charming and menacing. His charisma, combined with his ability to maintain a cult of personality, garnered him a dedicated following among some segments of the population. However, Stalin was equally infamous for his paranoia and distrust of those around him. His regime was marked by widespread purges and a climate of fear, where even close associates were not safe from suspicion and persecution. All in all, Joseph Stalin's personality was characterized by ruthless pragmatism, determination, charisma, and extreme distrust. These traits shaped his authoritarian leadership style and had a profound impact on the Soviet Union and the world during his tenure as its leader. Stalin's policies led to widespread suffering and the deaths of millions, but also transformed the Soviet Union into a global superpower.
Mao was a charismatic and authoritarian leader. He possessed a magnetic presence and the ability to inspire and mobilize millions of people. Mao's charisma was instrumental in uniting China under communist rule and guiding the country through periods of transformation. At the same time, Mao was a highly controversial figure known for his ruthlessness and willingness to use violence to achieve his goals. He initiated policies like the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, which led to immense suffering, mass purges, and widespread destruction. His authoritarian rule suppressed dissent, often through brutal means. Mao was also characterized by a strong sense of self-confidence and self-assurance. He believed in the correctness of his ideas and was not easily swayed by criticism or opposition, even when his policies led to disastrous consequences. In summary, Mao Zedong's personality was marked by charisma, authoritarianism, self-confidence, and a commitment to radical communist ideology. His leadership had a profound impact on China, shaping the nation's modern history and leaving a complex legacy that continues to be debated and scrutinized.
Pol Pot had a personality characterized by radical ideology, secrecy, and brutality. He was an enigmatic and reclusive figure. Pol Pot was an ardent communist revolutionary who was deeply committed to implementing his vision of a pure agrarian communist society in Cambodia. He was highly ideologically driven, advocating for the complete eradication of urban life, money, religion, and Western influence. His unwavering commitment to this radical ideology fueled some of the most extreme social experiments in modern history, including forced labor camps, mass executions, and the forced evacuation of cities. In personal interactions, Pol Pot was known to be secretive and mistrustful. He often kept his thoughts and intentions hidden from even his closest associates, which contributed to an atmosphere of fear and paranoia within the Khmer Rouge leadership. He maintained a strict and authoritarian rule, suppressing dissent and dissenting voices ruthlessly. Pol Pot's personality is primarily remembered for his fanatical dedication to his revolutionary vision and his willingness to use extreme violence to achieve it. His leadership led to the Cambodian Genocide, during which millions of Cambodians died as a result of forced labor, executions, and starvation. His legacy is one of infamy and tragedy, marked by the suffering of the Cambodian people under his regime.
Kim Il-Sung possessed a charismatic and enigmatic personality that was central to his leadership. He was often portrayed as a revered and god-like figure in North Korean propaganda, which contributed to his cult of personality. Kim Il Sung exhibited a mix of qualities that endeared him to his followers. Magnetic and eloquent, Kim Il Sung had the ability to captivate crowds with his speeches and hold the attention of the masses. He presented himself as a fatherly figure who cared deeply for the well-being of his people, fostering a sense of paternalism. However, beneath the public image, Kim Il Sung was known for his ruthless and cunning nature. He masterminded the political purges and consolidations of power that solidified his control over North Korea. He was willing to use force and manipulation to tighten his grip on the nation. Kim Il Sung's personality was multifaceted, encompassing both charm and ruthlessness. His charisma, combined with his authoritarian tendencies, allowed him to establish a totalitarian regime that has endured for decades, leaving a lasting imprint on North Korean society and politics.
Idi Amin was known for his charismatic and larger-than-life persona. He had a magnetic presence and could command the attention of those around him with his grandiose displays of power. His charisma helped him maintain control over a diverse and ethnically divided nation. He possessed an unpredictable and volatile temperament. Amin was known for making impulsive decisions, often with grave consequences. His erratic behavior and willingness to use violence to maintain power contributed to a climate of fear and instability in Uganda. Amin exhibited a strong authoritarian streak and a penchant for brutality. His regime was infamous for human rights abuses, including mass killings and persecution of political opponents. He ruled with an iron fist and showed little regard for the rule of law or international norms. Despite his authoritarianism, Amin also displayed a sense of humor and charm, which he used to disarm foreign diplomats and journalists. In summary, Idi Amin's personality was characterized by charisma, unpredictability, authoritarianism, and brutality. These traits shaped his controversial and tumultuous rule in Uganda, leaving a dark legacy in the nation's history.
Augusto Pinochet possessed a complex personality that evoked a range of reactions. He was often described as authoritative and stern, with a commanding presence that demanded respect and obedience. Pinochet exhibited a strong sense of discipline and order, reflecting his military background. He was known for his decisiveness and ability to take swift action, traits that defined his leadership style. In contrast to his authoritarian public image, Pinochet was reportedly soft-spoken and modest in his personal life. He rarely showed vulnerability or emotion in public, maintaining a stoic demeanor. This led to perceptions of aloofness and detachment from the suffering caused by his regime. Pinochet was also characterized by a deep sense of nationalism and patriotism for his country. He believed in the importance of a strong, unified state and was dedicated to protecting what he saw as the country's interests, albeit through controversial and sometimes brutal means. Overall, Pinochet's personality was marked by a stern and authoritative exterior, combined with a private and reserved demeanor. His strong sense of discipline and nationalism were central to his identity, shaping both his leadership style and his legacy in history.
The Dictator Test is inspired by research into relevant literature and methodological practices. While the Dictator Test (or quiz) is inspired by various fields of research, it cannot be used to provide clinical assessments or an accurate evaluation of your personality. Clinical assessments should always be done in cooperation with a mental health professional. For more information about any of our online tests and quizzes, please consult our Terms of Service.