Possible Clues:

• Strict rule: radio has to impress Yankee
• Authoritarianism
• Radio bringing in leader of Yemen's despotic regime
• Harsh rule proceeded between semi- and American cities
• Cruelty that's ultimately necessary in radio
• Arty novel by Pole from American city concerns The Terror
• Cruel oppressive rule
• Cruel rule
• Unjust use of power
• Abuse of power