“Unlike monarchs, who pass power to their heirs at the moment of death to ensure the survival of the regime, tyrants must simply survive as long as possible.”

British historian, television presenter and author

Simon Jonathan Sebag Montefiore is a British historian, television presenter, and writer of history books and novels. He is known for works that bring large historical subjects to a broad readership. His books include Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar, Jerusalem: The Biography, The Romanovs: 1613 to 1918, and The World: A Family History of Humanity. His work often ranges across rulers, empires, and the longer sweep of history.