A dictator is a political leader who holds absolute power and authority over a country, often ruling without the consent of the governed. Dictators typically come to power through force, manipulation, or political maneuvering, and they may suppress opposition and limit freedoms to maintain control. Dictatorships can be found in various forms, such as military regimes or totalitarian states, where the government seeks to control many aspects of life. Historical examples of dictators include Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany and Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union, both of whom led with oppressive tactics and significant human rights violations.