Maintaining Power in Authoritarian Regimes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to how authoritarian regimes maintain power, focusing on tactics such as co-optation, patronage, legitimacy, and repression.

Legitimacy

The right to rule, often combined with popular support, that helps maintain authority in non-democratic regimes.

The Dictator’s Dilemma

A situation where an authoritarian ruler's repression creates uncertainty about the level of support they actually have.

Co-optation

A tactic used by regimes providing benefits to potential challengers to create dependence on the regime.

Patronage

The exchange of benefits for support and loyalty, often leading to corruption.

Clientelism

A type of patronage involving individual patronage and kickbacks.

Patrimonialism

A type of patronage where benefits are distributed to a particular group, reinforcing existing social hierarchies.

Repression

The act of coercing support through threats to lives or livelihoods and minimizing the opposition's ability to organize.

Censorship

The practice of suppressing speech or public communications that may align against the regime.

Kleptocracy

A government characterized by rampant corruption, where those in power exploit national resources regardless of the law.

Populism

A political approach where the leader claims to be the only trustworthy figure against elites, politicians, and the media.

Emotional appeal of charisma

Utilizing personal charm and personality traits to gain popular support.

Social Democracy

An ideology that balances freedom and equality through state management of the economy and social expenditures.

Fascism

An ideology that seeks a powerful, united nation through militarism and devotion to a leader, emphasizing group superiority.

Liberalism

An ideology prioritizing individual liberty and the protection of freedom from the state.

Communism

An ideology focusing on delivering equality through collectivization.