Chapter #8: Nondemocratic Regimes

Nondemocratic Regime (Authoritarianism)

A political system where a small group of individuals exercises power over the state without being constitutionally responsible to the public.

Totalitarianism

A nondemocratic regime that is highly centralized, possessing some form of strong ideology that seeks to transform and absorb fundamental aspects of the state, society, and the economy using a wide array of institutions.

(Uses violence as a tool for remaking institutions).

Resource Curse

A theory of developments where the existence of natural resources in a given state is a barrier to modernization and democratization.

(Generates resources without taxation, unequal development stunts civil society, and resources are not portable).

Populism

A political view that doesn’t have a consistent ideological foundation, but emphasizes hostility toward elites, established state and economic institutions, and favors greater power in the hands of the public.

Ex. Ethnic favoritism and xenophobia

Co-Option

The process where individuals outside an organization are brought into a beneficial relationship with it, making them dependent on the regime for certain rewards.

Corporatism

Authoritarian systems create a limited number of organizations to represent the interests of the public and restrict those not set up or approved by the state.

Ex. Churches, labor unions, student groups, and more are funded and at least partially controlled by the state.

Clientelism

The state co-opts members of the public by providing specific benefits or favors to a single person or small group in return for public support.

Rent-Seeking

Privileged economic benefits mediated by political power.

Ex. Licenses and other preferences that benefit specific businesses and their owners in return for government support.

Kleptocracy

“Rule by theft” where those in power seek to drain the state of assets and resources.

Personality Cult

Where the public is encouraged to obey the leader based on their extraordinary qualities and compelling ideas.

Patrimonialism

An arrangement where a ruler depends on a collection of supporters within the state who gain direct benefits in return for enforcing the ruler’s will.

Bureaucratic Authoritarianism

A system where the state bureaucracy and military share the belief that a technocratic leadership focused on rational, objective, and technical expertise can solve the problems of the country without relying on political participation.

Illiberal Regimes

A regime where democratic institutions that rest on the rule of law are weakly institutionalized and poorly respected.

Coup D’etat

Where the armed forces seize control of the state.