In 1924, an Austro-German far-right leader little known to the public appeared in court. Adolf Hitler was charged with high treason for seeking to overthrow the government. In the end he spent just nine months in prison.¹

That did not stop Hitler from railing against the corruptionWhen someone abuses their power for personal gain. It often involves bribery. of the German courts, which he claimed had persecuted him and his fellow NazisA German political party of the twentieth century, led by Adolf Hitler. The Nazis controlled Germany from the early 1930s until the end of World War II..

This week, Donald Trump appeared in court, charged with falsifyingAlter a document to make it misleading. business records. If convicted he could face four years in prison, although the judge could also spare him jail time and fine him instead.

But some say he might even be hoping to go to prison. He has spent the last nine years fulminatingCriticising severely. against a corrupt "deep stateAccording to an American conspiracy, the deep state is a group of influential government agencies or members who secretly manipulate government policy. " that he claims is trying to keep him out of power.

First, he argues, it tried and failed to stop him from winning the 2016 election. Then, when it failed, it rigged the 2020 election against him.² Now it is trying to do the same in 2024 by persecuting him through the legal system.

If Trump has to run for president from prison, he will be able to portray himself as the martyrA person who is killed due to their beliefs, especially their religious beliefs. he has always claimed to be, punished by the "deep state" for standing up for the little guy.

In other words, it is the rallying cry of dictators throughout history. The dictator presents himself and his supporters as the victims. He claims that the democratic order is corrupt and that he alone can rip it down and replace it with something that benefits the people.

Many believe this works because it taps into the psychology of crowds. People easily relate to charismatic leaders.

The first ever dictator, French revolutionary Maximilien RobespierreA French lawyer and statesman, known as one of the most influential figures of the French Revolution. , really believed that his own will was the will of France.

So when Trump tells his supporters that he alone represents their interests against a corrupt elite, they believe him.

Is this how dictators win?

Yes: History is replete with examples of dictators rising to power by presenting themselves as righteous outsiders looking to rip down the system on behalf of the people. Trump plays the game all too well.

No: Generally dictators have come to power by more direct means, like a coup d'etatAn illegal takeover of the government. or a violent revolution. Moreover, if Trump wins the election, it will be because undecided voters plump for him, not because of his base.

Or... This stunt will not win the election for Trump. But it could gin upGenerate or increase something. his supporters for a violent overthrow of the government in the event that he loses.