Here are some key characteristics of an autocrat:
* Absolute Power: They hold complete control over all aspects of government, the military, and often society as a whole.
* Unaccountability: They are not answerable to anyone for their decisions.
* Suppression of Opposition: They often use force or intimidation to silence any dissent or criticism.
* Centralization of Power: All power is concentrated in the hands of the autocrat.
* Lack of Democratic Processes: There are no elections or other democratic institutions in place to limit the autocrat's power.
Examples of autocratic rulers throughout history include:
* Julius Caesar: Roman emperor who held absolute power.
* Genghis Khan: Leader of the Mongol Empire who conquered vast territories.
* Joseph Stalin: Dictator of the Soviet Union responsible for widespread repression.
* Mao Zedong: Leader of China during the Cultural Revolution.
While "autocrat" is often used to describe rulers, it can also be applied to any individual who exhibits similar characteristics of absolute control and lack of accountability, such as a CEO with complete control over a company.