Throughout history, numerous ambitious and ruthless leaders have shaped the world, often disregarding the suffering of others and the long-term consequences of their actions. Napoleon is a prime example: while undoubtedly an exceptional military strategist and political figure, his thirst for power ultimately led to immense destruction and suffering.
As a writer fascinated by history and one who captures the essence of different eras through historical fiction, I observe with concern how past mistakes continue to repeat themselves. I have lived through a system that operated in a similar way—where power was concentrated, manipulation was rampant, and propaganda turned people against their own interests, sustaining the regime through false promises.
Why do people support such leaders, even when their plans are irrational or brutal? The answer is complex. In times of uncertainty, people often seek a strong leader who promises order and stability. A dictator can paint a vision of a proud nation, a better life, or even channel collective frustrations toward a common enemy. Figures like Hitler, Stalin, and Mussolini exploited fear, anger, and hope to secure their rule.
The pursuit of power and ruthlessness often go hand in hand. To a dictator, human lives are mere tools for achieving their ambitions. Just as Napoleon’s campaigns devastated millions, modern authoritarian leaders have also left generations in ruin. And while these figures eventually fall, the damage they inflict lingers for decades.
But what happens when these leaders are finally defeated? It is often only then that the true extent of their harm becomes clear. Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo marked not just the end of one man’s reign, but the conclusion of an era. Today, many leaders attempt to rewrite history, ignoring the lessons of the past.
In Russia, power concentration and state propaganda are intensifying, silencing opposition and reviving imperialist ambitions to justify aggressive foreign policies. In the United States and Europe, the rise of populism and political extremism is evident, with some leaders deliberately fueling societal divisions to maintain power. The erosion of democratic institutions is a growing global concern, driven by public distrust and manipulation.
For those of us who have lived under oppressive regimes, one question is particularly pressing: why do these cycles repeat? Why are people willing to fall for the same manipulations over and over again? Perhaps the answer lies in our failure to take history’s lessons seriously, or in the tendency for hope and desperation to override rationality.
As a writer, my mission is not just to document the past, but also to warn about the future. If my historical fiction can make even one person recognize the dangers of unchecked power, then it has served its purpose. Dictators do not hold power on their own—people grant it to them. It is our duty, as witnesses to history’s recurring patterns, to warn future generations not to be seduced by false promises and manipulative rulers. The wheel of history keeps turning, but the direction it takes is up to us.