The Dictator (2012) is a politically incorrect comedy from Sacha Baron Cohen that satirizes authoritarian regimes, global politics, and cultural ignorance — all through the outrageous antics of General Aladeen, the supreme ruler of Wadiya. Packed with absurd gags, shocking twists, and razor-sharp social commentary, the film pulls no punches.
Do you remember who betrayed the beard, what happened in the co-op, and how Wadiya’s “democracy” turned out? Take this 10-question trivia challenge and prove your comedic command!
The Dictator (2012) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who plays General Aladeen in The Dictator (2012)?
Correct Answer: Sacha Baron Cohen
Sacha Baron Cohen stars as General Haffaz Aladeen, a narcissistic, eccentric, and ruthlessly hilarious dictator. Known for immersive characters like Borat and Bruno, Cohen once again pushes boundaries, blending slapstick with brutal satire.
- What fictional country is General Aladeen the ruler of?
Correct Answer: Wadiya
Wadiya is a made-up North African nation ruled with an iron fist (and a love of nuclear weapons) by General Aladeen. The country is portrayed as an absurd blend of various dictatorships, allowing Cohen to lampoon authoritarianism broadly.
- What is the name of Aladeen’s double who is hired to replace him?
Correct Answer: Efawadh
Efawadh, a simple-minded and obedient goat herder, is recruited by Aladeen’s treacherous uncle Tamir to act as his body double. Efawadh is used to sign a constitution that would turn Wadiya into a democracy — which Tamir intends to exploit.
- What is Aladeen’s preferred method of executing people?
Correct Answer: Beheading
Throughout the film, Aladeen frequently orders beheadings for trivial offenses — from bad news to poor acting. It’s played for dark laughs, emphasizing the absurdity and cruelty of unchecked power.
- Who plays Tamir, Aladeen’s treacherous uncle?
Correct Answer: Ben Kingsley
Ben Kingsley plays Tamir, Aladeen’s scheming uncle who wants to overthrow him and install a puppet leader so he can make billions from oil deals. Kingsley plays the role with straight-faced menace, contrasting perfectly with Cohen’s flamboyance.
- What happens to Aladeen early in the film while visiting New York?
Correct Answer: He is betrayed and replaced by a double
Tamir arranges for Aladeen to be kidnapped and killed during his visit to the U.S., but Aladeen escapes (after a particularly painful shaving scene) and is forced to survive anonymously in New York while trying to reclaim his identity.
- What type of business does Zoey, Aladeen’s love interest, run?
Correct Answer: A feminist, eco-friendly co-op
Zoey, played by Anna Faris, runs a left-wing grocery co-op that promotes sustainability and inclusion. Aladeen hides out by working there, leading to hilarious clashes between his dictator mindset and her progressive ideals — until romance starts to bloom.
- What is Aladeen trying to prevent during his trip to the U.S.?
Correct Answer: The signing of a democratic constitution for Wadiya
Aladeen learns that his double, under Tamir’s control, plans to sign a constitution that will introduce democracy — which threatens his lifelong dictatorship. Ironically, the document is designed to enrich Tamir and Western powers, not help the people.
- How does Aladeen prove his identity at the climax of the film?
Correct Answer: By showing his unique beard scar
During the dramatic climax at the signing ceremony, Aladeen exposes the imposter by proving he lacks a specific beard scar (a result of a sexual accident with a bomb). His return halts the democracy plans — at least temporarily.
- What ironic twist happens at the end of the movie?
Correct Answer: Aladeen turns Wadiya into a democracy — and rigs the first election
In a final satirical jab, Aladeen agrees to make Wadiya a democracy… but only as a façade. He rigs the election so he still wins with 98% of the vote and bans opposing parties. The film ends with a wedding and a punchline about Zoey being pregnant — possibly with a girl, which horrifies Aladeen.
