Paris: For people familiar with the way that dictators such as Stalin, Hitler and Mao methodically ousted their opponents, the purging and execution of the No. 2 official in North Korea is nothing new.
In recent history, Saddam Hussein also was skilled at such tactics to seize and consolidate his power in Iraq.
North Korea's execution of Kim Jong-un's uncle in the impoverished, closed and nuclear-armed country suggests that its leader has learned how to rule that way.
The execution of Jang Song-thaek, portrayed in North Korean state media as a morally corrupt traitor, rid Kim of one potential rival. It also may have been designed to sow fear among any others.
Here's a look at how some despots of yesteryear used purges to quash dissent and cement their lock-hold on power:
