11 Most Despicable Dictators Alive Today

10. Raul Castro - Cuba

Raul Castro Cuban dictator after brother Fidel - one of the world's most famous dictators - became too ill to run the country, Raul has not deviated much from his bother's repressive policies. He was an important part of Fidel's regime and took command of the Cuban army during this time - right up until he was needed as head of state when Fidel admitted he was too sick to run for office. Raul was elected in 2011 and again in 2013. He has said that he will not take office in the 2018 elections. As Fidel's right hand man, he had a very successful career in the Cuban army, showing that he was a capable leader - and a ruthless one - overseeing the execution of soldiers loyal to Batista. It is speculated that Raul is a political hardliner who will enmesh the Cuban Communist Party more firmly into the Cuban people's lives. Others speculate that he will be more pragmatic and make market-oriented decisions. It is said that he admires the Chinese government and the Chinese economic infrastructure. One thing is for sure, Raul lacks his brother's charisma and comes across as a rather boring person. He has said that Cuba harbours no grudges against America and he is implementing economic policies along the lines of those of China. However, the prospect of a democratic Cuba remains a pipe dream whilst he is in charge and Cuba's citizens will continue to lead restrictive, government led lives.
 
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Contributor

My first film watched was Carrie aged 2 on my dad's knee. Educated at The University of St Andrews and Trinity College Dublin. Fan of Arthouse, Exploitation, Horror, Euro Trash, Giallo, New French Extremism. Weaned at the bosom of a Russ Meyer starlet. The bleaker, artier or sleazier the better!