The Modern Tyrant

In today’s world, the terms “tyrant” and “oppression” usually go hand-in-hand. The modern tyrant is usually defined as a singular ruler of a country/state. Tyrants usually care more about their own wealth than they do about the welfare of the state or the people they rule. The only concern of the modern tyrant is how preserve and expand their power, as well as prevent any revolts or uprisings that could endanger their position. They restrict the rights of the people they rule over, and give them little, if any, freedom. However, when we look back in history, the ancient Greeks paint a very different picture of what a tyrant was.

In ancient Greece, a tyrant was simply someone who took power in an unorthodox way. They did not inherent the position of king or ruler. Contrary to the modern tyrant, the ancient Greeks actually liked their tyrants, generally speaking. Many tyrants brought a new way of doing things. They promoted regrowth among their state, worked to improve the state’s infrastructure, and brought new traditions and celebrations. Eventually, though, this term was used to describe rulers of other countries as a way to promote the democracy of the Greeks. Thus we have the modern tyrant.

In an article from The Federal, author Helen Raleigh brings to light how even with the spread democracy, tyranny is just as prevalent in present day politics as it was in the times of ancient civilization. Raleigh’s article World Tyrants’ Sham Elections Prove Calling Something ‘Democratic’ doesn’t Make it True, uses elections in countries such as Zimbabwe, Cambodia, and Venezuela as examples to prove that just because something appears to be ‘democratic’, doesn’t mean it actually is. Raleigh also goes into detail about how modern day tyrants attain and preserve power during supposed election. According to Raleigh, tactics used during elections include: control over media, destroying the opposition, bribing voters, and one of the most popular tactics used- intimidating voters. If we use today’s definition, Raleigh’s use of the term ‘tyrant’ fits perfectly with current beliefs of what it means to be a tyrant. However, of you ask any ancient Greek they would probably disagree.

Nora Honrath