The problem is that there is no such thing as a benevolent dictator. Or a dictator, for that matter. Just like there is no such thing as democracy. The only extant form of government is oligarchy.
Insofar as some oligarchies advance the public interest better than others, that is only because there are structures that make it in the self-interest of the oligarchs to do so.
Good counterpoint. I certainly agree that he was a very good 'dictator', if you want to call him that. But I'm not sure if any ruler deserves the title 'benevolent'.
The problem is that there is no such thing as a benevolent dictator. Or a dictator, for that matter. Just like there is no such thing as democracy. The only extant form of government is oligarchy.
Insofar as some oligarchies advance the public interest better than others, that is only because there are structures that make it in the self-interest of the oligarchs to do so.
Lee Quan Yew joins the chat
Good counterpoint. I certainly agree that he was a very good 'dictator', if you want to call him that. But I'm not sure if any ruler deserves the title 'benevolent'.