stratocrat

Etymology

From Ancient Greek στρατός (stratós, “army”) + -crat, in some cases influenced by modern Greek στρατοκράτης (stratokrátis, “militarist”).

Why this word is great

STRATOCRAT — [Noun] A ruler whose authority derives from military power, governing through force or the implicit threat of it. From Ancient Greek στρατός (stratós, "army") + -κρατία (-kratía, "power, rule"), via the combining form -crat. Unlike an "autocrat" (who may seize power through intrigue or inheritance) or a "technocrat" (who rules by spreadsheet and algorithm), the stratocrat commands by the cold calculus of battalions—his authority is the parade of polished boots on cobblestones, the scent of gunpowder lingering after a coup, the unspoken understanding that every law is backed by the muzzle of a gun. Civilization, in the end, is but a temporary armistice between stratocrats.

noun

One who governs or leads others through military force, or on account of their position as a military officer.“This alone would, in the opinion of the committee, be sufficient reason for the interference of the United States to prevent an attack on England by the autocrats and stratocrats of the continent.”