What tends to happen in dictatorships is that actions started by the dictator are seen as their ruling, not as the best course of action given the evidence (eve

What tends to happen in dictatorships is that actions started by the dictator are seen as their ruling, not as the best course of action given the evidence (even when they provide the evidence, it's assumed to be doctored). The other part of it is that the dictator is presented with an image that has little to do with reality. Take a look at any large corporation where there's a lot of distance between the CEO and the base. If a branch knows that there'll be a visit from the CEO to their location, a massive effort is made to make it look like everything is wonderful (fresh paint, clean desks, etc.). Dictators make decisions based on what's presented, not what's actually happening. (Reminds me so much of the Paranoia RPG.)