Many of the dictators put in power, both past and present, are said by some to be puppets for an even greater power behind them. Past figures such as Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin were said to have an even greater power operating behind them pulling the strings. These figures were just the branded front-man that carried out the tasks for the public to see.

More present dictators such as Saddam Hussein and Muammar Qadhafi were said to be put in place and allowed to operate so long as they continue to carry out the tasks designated for them. Even with more democratic governments, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the democratically elected leaders are still believed to be puppets since they are also controlled by people more powerful than they.