In today's turbulent environment, many people have the tendency to turn to autocratic forms of leadership. In this article the inherent logic in the development of autocratic systems is highlighted. Five stages of development are discussed: the rise of a visionary leader, the establishment of boundaries and roles, the division of labor, the closing of the external boundary, the struggle for power, and the eventual implosion of the system. On the basis of the similarities and differences with the development of democratic systems, five rules for preventing autocracies are formulated.
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