Authoritarianism
More Like "Under New Management"
You know it when you see it, but what actually is it? Simply put, Authoritarianism is the practice of a regime that concentrates large amounts of power into a few people, all while denying or subverting democratic practices. Whether it is by spreading false information, bribery, or even using violence to maintain power and suppress opposition, the leaders often manipulate the system for personal gain, to rig elections, and limit freedoms to keep their hold on their power.
However, it is easily confused for other types of non-democratic governments which feature a strong central power, so what sets it apart?
Key features of an Authoritarian Regime
Though the power is centralized, there will still be some structures or institutions that help the regime accomplish their goals, though they too will be heavily influenced by the party. One example would be the use of a coalition to help carry out the leaders’ plans and keep them in power.
Though civil liberties are stifled, the party will still aim to have some semblance of legitimacy in their rule, often having fraudulent elections or other things to garner a positive opinion of the regime.
Power in an authoritarian regime will often be split among a small number of people, showing a collective or institutionalized control of a state. Authoritarian regimes may also have to distribute resources or wealth back to their key supporters or face opposition to their control.
Though often used as a synonym for a dictatorship, the two do have key differences. Firstly, dictatorships tend to have the power concentrated in one individual, with all decisions flowing from that individual. Secondly, there are often no other institutions and the central figure does not care for how the public perceives them, often forgoing any formality of a democratic practice. Lastly, dictatorships tend to be stricter and in more direct control of the peoples’ lives.
Notable Examples:
Final Thoughts
Though this form of government has been associated with many great tragedies, it continues to be both present and on the rise in some countries. Often emerging in times of turmoil and instability, it’s important to be on the lookout for the tell tale signs: controlling the narrative, silencing opposition, and weakening democratic institutions. As authoritarian leaders become more common in today’s world, it’s crucial to understand the long-term dangers they pose both to democracy and the people.
Further Reading: The Dictator's Handbook