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Simpson's Dictators

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ World Affairs Editor John Simpson looks back at the dictators he's met during his 60-year career: the mad, the malign and the meek. What were they actually like?

The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ World Affairs Editor John Simpson looks back at the many dictators and autocrats he has met or reported on during his 60-year career.
He digs into his extensive archives to tell the stories of these ruthless leaders, of how they came to power, and how they finally lost it.

What was it like to be "in the room" with them - a room that could be a multi-coloured tent in the Libyan desert, a run-down chateau, or even a courtroom. John reunites with former colleagues to reminisce about travelling to meet these men (and they were all men...) who oppressed millions to satisfy their cravings for power or wealth, or allowed themselves to be led by their misguided beliefs that only they could save their country or keep it together.

What drives people like that, what does it take to end their regimes, and what is it like to meet someone who has ruined, or even ended, the lives of thousands?

Presenter: John Simpson
Producer: Arlene Gregorius
Production coordinator: Brenda Brown
Editor: Sara Wadeson

Available now

57 minutes

Last on

Sat 28 Jun 2025 20:00

Broadcast

  • Sat 28 Jun 2025 20:00