Autocratic regimes maintain control over dissent through a variety of methods including repression, propaganda, and surveillance. They often employ state-sponsored violence to silence opposition, threatening legal or physical consequences for dissenters. Media is heavily censored to manipulate public perception and suppress alternative viewpoints. Additionally, autocratic leaders may cultivate a personality cult, reinforcing their power through ideological messaging. By limiting freedom of expression and political participation, these regimes create an environment where dissent is seen as futile, thus maintaining stability and control over the population.