authoritarian rule characteristics of an autocracy
what are the characteristics of an autocratic regime?
what are autocratic regimes? rule by one person: dictatorship monarchy oligarchy (rule by small number): military junta single-party state
social conditions high unemployment high inflation political disillusionment
social features press censorship outlawing of opposition parties firm control over legal system prosecution and persecution of political opponents few avenues for ordinary people to change the system
the characteristics of an autocracy: number one
a central figure rules the masses
the characteristics of an autocracy: number two
rulers have unlimited power
the characteristics of an autocracy: number three
uniformity
the characteristics of an autocracy: number four
groupthink - group over the individual
the characteristics of an autocracy: number five
“discipline is power”
the characteristics of an autocracy: number six
military strength
the characteristics of an autocracy: number seven
extreme nationalism
totalitarian rule single party merged with state extensive use of propaganda attempt to create a monolithic society extensive use of violence
totalitarian vs authoritarian totalitarian government: goal is total political, social, and economic control seeking a transformation of society extensive use of violence authoritarian government: social and economic institutions exist outside of government rule
totalitarian vs authoritarian charisma role conception totalitarian high authoritarian low leader as function leader as individual ends of power corruption public low private high official ideology limited diversity yes no no yes legitimacy yes no