While the world strives for democracy and freedom, some leaders stubbornly cling to their power using methods of repression and fear. Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, the late Ebrahim Raisi and other modern dictators have become symbols of authoritarianism, challenging international norms and human rights. In this gallery we have collected works of illustrators from all over the world that show the true faces of these tyrants.
Modern dictators do not act alone. They form a kind of "club", supporting each other in the pursuit of absolute power. China supports Russia in its war against Ukraine, turning a blind eye to aggression and helping to circumvent sanctions. Russia, in turn, strengthens Iran by providing military equipment and strategic assistance. These authoritarian leaders form a network of mutual support, strengthening their position on the world stage and creating serious challenges for the international community.
Xi Jinping “extended a helping hand” to the almost isolated international criminal Vladimir Putin.
Gunduz Aghayev
Kim Jong-un treats Vladimir Putin with ballistic missiles while lying in a bloody bath.
Morten Morland
Bloody lovers: Vladimir Putin and the deceased Ibrahim Raisi.
Andriy Yermolenko
A bathtub of blood spilled by world leaders. Some are already in it, and some are about to step into it.
Georgy Kluchnik
Xi Jinping's puppets: Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin.
Jürgén Tomicék
War Relay.
Patrick Blower
Hell's kitchen.
Jaison Seiler / The Washington Examiner
Vladimir Putin 'calls for peace' amid his own acts of violence.
Patrick Blower
About Germany.
Marian Kamensky
The ignorant Viktor Orban is controlled by Vladimir Putin.
Morten Morland
Vladimir Putin, Ibrahim Raisi, Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden — everyone is busy with their own business.
Marian Kamensky
Diplomatic exchange: Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un.
Patrick Blower
Social network X (formerly Twitter) and its owner Elon Musk are the Internet haven for all tyrants.
Dave Granlud
What wrong with this world

Ceasefire

People Lost Their Lives So Politicians Could Call Themselves Peacemakers

Parallel Universes of War & Peace

Ugur Gallenkus opens eyes to global contrasts

The meaninglessness of endless worrying

The painting Prince of Peace in 1962 raised the question of why the UN is needed

Pawel Kuczynski: Analysis, Explanation, Meaning

Sergey Gutakovsky