WK 9 Authoritarianism

Authoritarianism

a political system in which power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small elite, with limited political freedoms and little to no democratic accountability.

How Democracies Die (Levitsky & Ziblatt)

argue that democracies do not always collapse through coups but often erode gradually through elected leaders who subvert institutions from within.

gatekeeping

Political elites historically acted as "guardians" to prevent authoritarian leaders from rising (e.g., party vetting processes).

Weakening of Institutions

As institutions erode, leaders consolidate power, leading to democratic backsliding.

freedom house

tracks democracy worldwide with scores from Free, Partly Free, and Not Free.

Global trend: Democratic backsliding

More countries have become less democratic in recent years.

Sultanistic Authoritarianism

Highly personalized rule where the leader treats the state as personal property.

Examples: Turkmenistan (Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, now Serdar Berdimuhamedow), North Korea (Kim dynasty)

monarchies (traditional)

Absolute rule by a king or queen, often justified by tradition or religion.

Examples: Saudi Arabia (Absolute monarchy – House of Saud), United Arab Emirates (Monarchic federation)

illiberal regimes

Elections exist but are not free or fair, civil liberties are weak.

Example: Hungary (Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party undermines judiciary, media freedom).

military regimes

Governed directly by the military, often after a coup.

Examples: Myanmar (2021 coup by Tatmadaw military). Egypt (Al-Sisi, post-2013 coup).

one-party regimes

A single political party dominates, opposition is restricted.

Examples: China (Communist Party of China – CCP). Vietnam (Communist Party).

theocratic authoritarianism

Religious leaders control the state, policies are based on religious law.

Example: Iran (Supreme Leader holds ultimate power, based on Islamic law).

totalitarianism

Extremely centralized control over all aspects of life (economy, politics, society, ideology).

Examples: Stalin’s USSR, Nazi Germany, North Korea (closest modern totalitarian state)

Illiberal Democracy / Competitive Authoritarianism

Elections are held but manipulated (media control, judiciary capture, voter suppression).

Example: Hungary - Fidesz Party under Viktor Orbán – Uses gerrymandering, state media, and judiciary influence to maintain power.

hybrid system

combines democratic and authoritarian features