Despots

Despots are rulers who exercise absolute political power without meaningful legal constraints or constitutional accountability. The term derives from the Greek despótēs meaning master or lord, and in English has come to denote autocrats who rule by force and favor rather than by popular consent. In classical usage, despotism referred to governments in which a single ruler held centralized authority, but the label was often applied subjectively by opponents rather than as a formal title. The accompanying political system tends to concentrate power in the ruler and the central bureaucracy, limit or suspend civil liberties, suppress opposition, and control the military and security apparatus.

Despotisms can be based on dynastic succession, personal charisma, or coercive institutions. They may operate under a claimed mandate—divine right, revolutionary legitimacy, or "the will of the people" as interpreted by the ruler—while lacking genuine constitutional checks. Historical forms of despotism appeared in various eras and regions, including some ancient city-states, certain medieval and early modern polities, and modern authoritarian states. The term is often used pejoratively in contemporary discourse to contrast with liberal-democratic government, rule of law, and accountable institutions.

Scholarly discussions distinguish despotism from autocracy (rule by a single ruler) and tyranny (oppression by a ruler who claims sovereignty). Some theorists have contemplated benevolent despotism, the idea that a strong ruler might pursue broadly beneficial policies, though such arrangements risk abuse of power without oversight. Contemporary usage remains largely rhetorical rather than a formal category.