POLI 150 - What is Authoritarianism / Competitive Authoritarianism

byu

Power

decision-making (often coercive enforcement), agenda setting (you get to vote but I choose the candidates), thought control + false consciousness

Authority

traditional (beliefs + practices of society. ex. inheriting the crown), charismatic (personal qualities of leader), rational-legal (followed society’s rules + laws)

Examples: traditional (Tzar Nicolas II), charismatic (Lenin), rational-legal (Putin)

Totalitarianism vs. Authoritarianism

Totalitarianism is the most extreme form (complete or near complete unity between state + civil society) ex. Hitler Youth in Nazi Germany

Types of Authoritarianism

Personal rule, military rule, and one-party rule

Personal Rule

ruling monarchs and dictaros

Military Rule

military runs things

Open - military junta/president, very clear they’re in charge

Disguised - “civilianization” of military regime, indirect control

One-Party Rule

formal one-party rule (“we’re communist, the communist party is in charge”)

Competitive Authoritarianism

creates uneven playing field between government and opposition

Pathways to Competitive Authoritarianism

decay of authoritarian regime (international or domestic pressure), false-start democracy (regime ends but democracy doesn’t take root), diminished democracy (political + economic crises, erosion of democratic norms)

What does Competitive Authoritarianism look like?

Abuse of state resources, bribery, limit media coverage, legal harassment, electoral manipulation, etc.

Arenas of Democratic Contestation: Electoral Arena

opposing parties contest elections, bitterly fought, giving voice to opposition but opp. can’t win

Arenas of DC Continued: Legislative Arena

opposition generally weak, built recognition for leaders, forum for airing grievances + ideas

Arenas Continued: Judicial Arena

impeachment/bribery/discrediting/, maverick judges (people who actually judge politicians)

Arenas Continued: Media

harassed/discredited/libel laws/purchased, watchdog role + independent media, repression of media can be politically costly

Competitive Authoritarians

they target the arenas of democratic contestation so they can win but not too much