Storyline

Learn how six dictators, from Mussolini to Saddam Hussein, shaped the 20th century. How did they seize and lose power? What forces were against them? Learn the answers in these six immersive hours, each a revealing portrait of brutality and power.

First Aired

2018-06-02
Last Aired

2018-07-07
Creator

Mark Stevenson
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

1
Episodes

6
Status

Ended
Language

English
Network

PBS

Keywords:

dictator dictatorship

Stream and watch The Dictator's Playbook

Season 1

1. Kim Il Sung

A look at the methods used by Kim il Sung to transform North Korea into the most controlled society on...More

A look at the methods used by Kim il Sung to transform North Korea into the most controlled society on Earth. After taking power in 1950, Kim's regime attempted to shape every aspect of its citizens' lives, down to their very perception of reality. Today, his grandson Kim Jung Un maintains the family tradition of wielding absolute power and brainwashing citizens to believe that the Kims are gods, and that they live in a paradise on Earth.Less

54mins 2018-06-02

2. Saddam Hussein

An examination of the techniques and tactics Saddam Hussein used to rise from a low level enforcer to ...More

An examination of the techniques and tactics Saddam Hussein used to rise from a low level enforcer to become the supreme leader of Iraq. Through his brutal use of violence, intimidation and torture Saddam Hussein managed to rule the nation for nearly a quarter of a century until he was finally deposed by US forces during the Invasion of Iraq in 2003. Few dictators loom so large in recent history.Less

54mins 2018-06-09

3. Benito Mussolini

A study of the methods used by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini to rise to power and turn Italy into ...More

A study of the methods used by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini to rise to power and turn Italy into the first fascist state. A master of propaganda, he dubbed himself "Il Duce" (the leader) and delivered bombastic speeches in which he idealized a fascist culture and promised to return Italy to the grandeur of Ancient Rome. Instead he created a one-party dictatorship and kept his grip on power for two long decades.Less

54mins 2018-06-16

4. Manuel Noriega

A study of the methods used by Manuel Noriega to rise from poverty to become dictator of Panama for si...More

A study of the methods used by Manuel Noriega to rise from poverty to become dictator of Panama for six tumultuous years in the 1980s. As Chief of Intelligence he was the most feared man in Panama. He developed connections inside and outside the country that made him rich, powerful, and a key ally of the US in the region, while also working for Fidel Castro and the Medellin drug cartel, among others.Less

54mins 2018-06-23

5. Francisco Franco

An exploration of the methods and tactics of Generalissimo Francisco Franco, who controlled Spain with...More

An exploration of the methods and tactics of Generalissimo Francisco Franco, who controlled Spain with absolute power for four decades. Employing violence and terror learned in colonial warfare, Franco led the 1936 military coup that overthrew the legitimately elected government and went on to rule the nation as his personal fiefdom until his death in 1975. The mass graves of his victims are being exhumed to this day.Less

54mins 2018-06-30

6. Idi Amin

A look at the techniques used by Idi Amin to rise from humble beginnings and build a powerful dictator...More

A look at the techniques used by Idi Amin to rise from humble beginnings and build a powerful dictatorship in Uganda. Amin became an expert at deploying military force to achieve political power, a lesson he first learned from the British as a soldier in the colonial army. Through a combination of populist charm and brutal violence, backed up by a vast police state, Idi Amin managed to rule Uganda for eight years.Less