Autocrats crazy to forfeit essential trust (7)

I believe the answer is:

tyrants

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'autocrats' is the definition.
('tyrant' can be a synonym of 'autocrat')

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tyrants that I've seen before include "Despots, dictators" , "Despots, oppressors" , "Bullies" , "Cruel and oppressive dictators" , "Powerful people" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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