500 years ago, Machiavelli warned the public not to get complacent in the face of self-interested charismatic figures
- Written by Vickie B. Sullivan, Professor of Political Science, Tufts University
Julius Caesar was the first tyrant of Rome, after which Rome was never again free.Steve Christo/Corbis via Getty ImagesA United States president sought to remain in office after his term ended, maintains a worshipful following and has declared he will operate as a dictator only on “day one” if reelected. His cunning and manipulation of...

