William Dobson - The Dictator's Learning Curve
1,571 views · Published 15 October 2012 · 17:00 · Indexed 4 November 2026
Channel: Oslo Freedom Forum · 2012 · Nonprofits & Activism
William Dobson speaks at San Francisco Freedom Forum 2012 The Dictator's Learning Curve www.OsloFreedomForum.com @OsloFF #SFFF In his talk at the San Francisco Freedom Forum, Slate politics editor William J. Dobson examines how modern dictatorships are constantly evolving. Author of "The Dictator's Learning Curve", Dobson explains that while it has become more difficult to maintain an authoritarian regime in today's world, dictatorships have done so by becoming more sophisticated and savvy. Brutal repression has been largely replaced with subtle coercion. But at the same time, the individuals challenging dictatorships have also evolved, and while popular movements may seem like spontaneous, romantic uprisings, they are in reality strategic and organized. Dobson shares with us his belief that ultimately dictators cannot learn or adapt as quickly as the civil society that opposes them. The Oslo Freedom Forum is a global event series presented by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF). #oslofreedomforum Learn more about #OsloFreedomForum: Website: https://oslofreedomforum.com X (formerly known as Twitter): https://twitter.com/OsloFF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osloff/ Join us in promoting freedom where it’s most at risk! Donate today: https://hrf.org/?form=donate
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