Aristotle described the characteristics of a regime that doesn't call itself a tyranny, but that nevertheless behaves accordingly...

Aristotle's seven key points:

1. Weaken citizens, make them tired, dependent, and financially vulnerable.
2. Break social ties, prohibit strong associations and independent networks.
3. Sow distrust: if solidarity remains, it must be broken. So pit groups against each other, turn dissenting opinions into a moral issue.
4. 'Eliminate' the powerful figures; People with backbone, with independent authority, people who don't bend.
5. Restrict speech... and the most effective censorship is... self-censorship, through fear of consequences or "social punishment."
6. Constantly distract with major threats, permanent crises, emergencies, external dangers.
7. Surround yourself with flatterers, yes-men, with people without autonomy. This way, the leader loses all touch with reality, but maintains absolute control.