autocrator

Autocrator is a term derived from Greek words meaning "self" and "ruler." It describes a form of government or a ruler who possesses absolute power. In an autocracy, one person holds supreme authority, and their decisions are not subject to legal or constitutional limitations. This individual's power is unchecked and often inherited or seized through force.

Historically, autocracies have taken various forms, including absolute monarchies where a king or queen rules by divine right, and dictatorships where a single leader exercises absolute control, often suppressing opposition. The concentration of power in the hands of a single autocrat can lead to efficient decision-making but also carries a high risk of tyranny and abuse. There is no accountability to the populace or any other governing body. The will of the autocrat is the law.

While the term autocracy emphasizes the single ruler, the focus is on the absolute nature of their power. This contrasts with other forms of government such as democracies, where power is distributed among the people or their representatives, or oligarchies, where power is held by a small group. The concept of autocracy is often associated with authoritarianism and totalitarianism, although these terms have distinct nuances. The defining characteristic of an autocracy is the absence of constraints on the ruler's authority.