Gul Dukat's magnanimity

reply to comment post on YouTube

First, Weyoun admires Dukat's thinking without really showing it ("I had no idea," video at 0:53). Dukat then indulges in his magnanimity, which Weyoun notices, and having realised that by 1:52, rather diplomatically calls it 'fascinating.'

Many dictators — and Dukat is no exception there — have a certain frame of mind, and thus, certain ways of rhetoric that give their dictatorial tendencies away long before most people even realise it.

On the other hand, there are people, who are incredibly charming and very effective. So, Tain and Weyoun at the apex of their power, if we consider the baddies. Good people... Well, there are Spock and Sarek, Elim Garak; President Obama, Chancellor Merkel, President Macron, Prime Minister Trudeau from the real world.

wrt dictators in the real world (and in DS9), then they are rather more multifaceted, and can be very charming, if they want to be. Some dictators in the real world are the ones that women find as dream men: Either one is rich, or he has capabilities that a previous and unpopular, though democratic leader never had, such as specifically not drinking, doing various sports, etc.

Good leaders can sport similar qualities, too: Barack plays basketball; PM Trudeau has boxed (for a charitable event, if I recall correctly), other heads of state or government run marathons.