doesn't it depend on the specifics of the case?
Further, are there any third alternatives? The "colored revolutions" have mostly using "democratic" rhetoric but realling have been neo-liberal in orientation, aiming at uniting Fillintheblankistan with the EU and global capitalism. On the other hand, the generally popular autocrat is more like Hizzoner da Mare of Chicago (the late) Richard J. Daley or the old Mexican PRI, using control of the state to garner popular support with patronage.
-- Jim Devine / "There can be no real individual freedom in the presence of economic insecurity." -- Chester Bowles