The obvious symmetrical question is whether there has been a pro-American dictator who actually improved the lives of the citizens. But 'improving the lives' is

The obvious symmetrical question is whether there has been a pro-American dictator who actually improved the lives of the citizens. But 'improving the lives' is extremely vague. Measured by what? Literacy, GNP, health care, growth of a middle class, civil liberties, respect for contracts, life expectancy, public safety, etc.?