The psychology of dictatorship (Moghaddam, 2013) is a neglected topic, even though dictatorships and authoritarian strongmen continue to thrive. It is argued that most societies throughout history have been closer to dictatorship than democracy, and most humans have learned their behavioral styles in dictatorial contexts. The springboard to dictatorship model proposes that in terms of personality characteristics there are potential dictators in all societies, but potential dictators cannot come to power until and unless the springboard to dictatorship comes into being. This chapter sets out the psychological foundations of the springboard to dictatorship, and the conditions in which potential dictators spring to power to become actual dictators.