Dictator Quote by Tim Harford
““The dictator has to keep the economy functioning in order to keep stealing from it.””
About This Quote
A dictator must keep the economy running to continue exploiting it.
In simple terms: Dictators need a functional economy to steal from it.
Key Takeaway
Economic stability can enable oppression.
Themes
politics
economy
dictatorship
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
observational
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- international aid
- economic sanctions
- public awareness
Key Concepts
resource control
corruption
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can economies be protected from exploitation?
- What checks prevent abuse of economic control?
A Different Perspective
Economic health can also improve citizens’ lives.
![“We have the ability to take him [President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez] out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability. We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator. It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job…” quote by Pat Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/194/pat-robertson-1972_ability_we-have-the-ability-to-take-him-presiden_23256.jpg)
