Rules for Dictators

Rule 1: Rely on as few supporters as possible.
. . . suppress all political opposition, criminalize dissent and ensure that only close family and friends have any power.

Rule 2: Make sure essential supporters know there are plenty of replacements for them.

Rule 3: Control the revenue.
It’s always better for a ruler to determine who eats than it is to have a larger pie from which the people can feed themselves.

Rule 4: Reward your supporters so they don’t go looking for your replacement.

Rule 5: Never be nice to the people at the expense of your coalition.

From Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith