Lecture: Theories of Authoritarianism

Introduction

• Transition to online learning due to coronavirus pandemic.
• Focus on authoritarianism in political systems.
• Lectures available online for flexible access.
• Short writing assignments and Blackboard discussions will count towards participation.

Authoritarianism Overview

• Authoritarian states often have:
  • Limited civil rights.
  • Limited political debate.
  • Unrestrained leadership.
• Classic examples include regimes in the Middle East and East Asia.
• State-sponsored historical memory is a key feature.
  • History is presented in a way beneficial to the regime.

Characteristics of Authoritarian States

• Limited Pluralism: Usually one dominant political party.
• State-Sponsored Ideology: Often enforced; varies in strictness.
• Militarization: Society often has military-like structures.
• Internal Security Apparatus: Presence of secret police and heavy state surveillance.
• State Cooperation with Democracies: Alliances driven by mutual benefits.

Non-Democracies

• Not all authoritarian states are the same; they vary in degrees.
• Some authoritarian regimes have elements of democracy.
• Examples include Cuba, North Korea, Singapore, etc.
• Procedural democracies exist but lack actual democratic practices.

Forms of Non-Democratic Regimes

• Totalitarianism:

  • No pluralism, strong state ideology.
  • Extensive socio-political mobilization.
  • Examples: Soviet Union under Stalin, North Korea under Kim Il-sung.

• Sultanism:

  • Personal power is unrestrained without guiding ideology.
  • Country treated as property of ruling family.
  • Examples: Iraq under Saddam Hussein, North Korea today.

• Post-Totalitarianism/Bureaucratic Authoritarianism:

  • Some institutional pluralism, weakened ideology.
  • Leadership often uninspiring and bureaucratic.
  • Examples: China since Deng Xiaoping, Czechoslovakia under Dr. Gustav Husak.

Assignments

• Email the professor explaining your understanding of totalitarianism, sultanism, and post-totalitarianism using notes and readings.

Conclusion

• Future discussions will cover fascism and hybrid regimes.
• Importance of staying engaged with online learning emphasized.