We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Authoritarianism

Save
May 1, 2024 4 minute read

Authoritarianism is a form of government characterized by the concentration of power in a single person, group, or organization. The authority of leaders is not based on popular consent or legal procedures, but on force or the threat of force. Authoritarian regimes typically have limited civil liberties and political freedoms, and the separation of powers is often absent.

Authoritarian Regimes

In an authoritarian regime, power is centralized in the hands of a single ruler or a small group of elites. The ruler or elites exercise absolute control over the country's political and social institutions, and there is little or no tolerance for dissent. Authoritarian regimes often rely on the use of propaganda and censorship to maintain their power.

Types of Authoritarian Regimes

There are different types of authoritarian regimes, including:

  • Monarchy: A monarchy is a form of government in which a single person, the monarch, holds the highest authority. The monarch's power may be absolute or limited by a constitution or other laws.
  • Dictatorship: A dictatorship is a form of government in which a single person, the dictator, has absolute power. The dictator is not subject to any constitutional or legal constraints and may rule by decree.
  • Oligarchy: An oligarchy is a form of government in which power is held by a small group of individuals. The oligarchs may be a family, a military junta, or a political party.

Causes of Authoritarianism

There are several factors that can contribute to the rise of authoritarianism, including:

Share

Help others find this page about Authoritarianism: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Authoritarianism.
This powerful and timely book offers a series of lessons learned from the history of authoritarianism in the 20th century, providing valuable insights into the warning signs and strategies for resisting tyranny. Written by a leading historian, it must-read for anyone concerned about the rise of authoritarianism in our own time.
This classic work of social psychology explores the psychological roots of authoritarianism, offering a comprehensive analysis of the personality traits and social attitudes that contribute to its development. It draws on extensive empirical research and provides valuable insights into the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of promoting democratic values.
This thought-provoking book examines the rise of authoritarianism in Russia, Europe, and the United States, tracing its historical roots and exploring the factors that have contributed to its resurgence in recent years. Drawing on a wide range of historical and political sources, Snyder provides a powerful warning about the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of defending democratic institutions.
This innovative and data-driven analysis of authoritarian regimes provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies used by leaders to maintain their power. Drawing on a wealth of empirical evidence, the authors identify the key factors that contribute to the stability and longevity of authoritarian regimes.
This comprehensive and authoritative work examines the global decline of democracy, providing a detailed analysis of the factors that have contributed to its erosion and the challenges facing democratic institutions around the world. Carothers and O'Donohue offer a valuable assessment of the state of democracy and provide insights for promoting democratic values and institutions.
This powerful and persuasive book explores the global rise of authoritarianism and the factors that have contributed to its resurgence. Applebaum draws on a wealth of historical and contemporary examples to provide a深刻 analysis of the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of defending democratic values.
This provocative and controversial book argues that authoritarian leaders are not irrational or incompetent, but rather act in their own best interests to maintain their power. Drawing on a wealth of historical and contemporary examples, the authors provide a fascinating and nuanced analysis of the strategies used by dictators to suppress dissent and consolidate their control.
This concise and accessible introduction to authoritarianism provides a comprehensive overview of the concept, its history, and its contemporary manifestations. Written by a leading expert in the field, it offers a clear and engaging explanation of the key issues and debates surrounding authoritarianism.
This thought-provoking book examines the growing appeal of authoritarianism in democratic societies, exploring the factors that have contributed to its rise and the dangers it poses to democratic institutions. Mounk draws on a wealth of empirical research and historical examples to provide a nuanced analysis of the authoritarian temptation and its implications for the future of democracy.
This timely and provocative book examines the challenges facing democracy in the 21st century, arguing that illiberal democracy is on the rise both at home and abroad. Zakaria identifies the key factors that have contributed to the erosion of democratic values and institutions and offers a compelling defense of the importance of freedom and democracy.
This incisive and provocative book examines the failure of states around the world, arguing that authoritarianism major contributing factor to state failure. Chomsky draws on a wealth of historical and contemporary examples to provide a powerful indictment of authoritarianism and its devastating effects on societies.
Table of Contents
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser