Authoritarian States

Which of the following regimes is least likely to be institutionalized 

Personalistic Dictatorships

Profits from which commodity (natural resources) has Zimbabwe used to pay for state oppression?

Diamonds

Which of the following is closest to a theocracy?

Saudi Arabia

Which of the following countries did we discuss as an example of an authoritarian state that holds  elections but does not fit the Electoral category? 

Syria

True or False: Arab Monarchies were all able to maintain their power (not be overthrown) during the Arab Spring despite protests.

True

Which of the following did I define in lecture as the most problematic and questionable explanation for why states are authoritarian?

Political culture

In totalitarian regimes…

the state has complete control over each citizen’s life

The challenge that stems form the fact that repression creates fear that makes it hard for a dictators know how much support they have is known as

The Dictators Dilemma

In China, how is the problem of succession resolved?

Through the political party

How do some authoritarian regimes attempt to reduce the dictator’s dilemma?

By improving institutions that provide better information

If a dictator seeks to avoid the dictator’s dilemma, which of the following strategies would likely be the most effective?

Creating avenues for elites to voice concerns while maintaining control

How does fear contribute to the dictator’s dilemma?

It leads to misinformation, making it difficult for the leader to gauge true support

Which of the following is NOT a method that authoritarian regimes use to maintain power?

Legal Opposition Parties

What is the primary challenge authoritarian rulers face due to repression, according to Orvis and Drogus?

 Misinformation about their actual support

What does the example of China’s social credit system suggest about the future of authoritarian governance?

Technology may reduce the need for repression

What distinction did the study make between opposition and pro-government districts in Uganda?

Opposition districts were identified by lower-than-median votes for Museveni in 2016.

What method did the researchers use to track government repression in Uganda?

Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)

What is the main argument of article by Don Grassy et al?

Autocratic governments in Uganda and Zimbabwe have used the pandemic as a pretext to repress political opposition.

What does the article suggest about the relationship between elections and repression in autocratic regimes?

Autocratic governments use repression more in opposition areas to suppress dissent before elections.

What is “opportunistic repression” as described in the article?

The use of a crisis as a justification for increased political repression