Authoritarian Regimes

Question 1

Personal rule-

Answer 1

One individual rules because they claim to be the only one fit to run the country. They don’t support any political ideology. They control by using the patrimonialism, cult of personality, and coercion techniques.

Question 2

Military rule-

Answer 2

A high ranking military leader rules and they seize power in a coup d’état (a sudden and violent overthrow of existing government by a small group). These rulers promise to return rules to civilians, deliver stability, and end corruption and violence. They enjoy public support and do not support any specific ideology

Question 3

One party rule-

Answer 3

A single party rules and all other parties are usually banned or restricted. Typically based on communism or fascism parties. They control the population with corporatism, cult of personality, coercion, and surveillance.

Question 4

Theocracy-

Answer 4

God rules and the foundation for the regime is faith, religious leaders are in charge on Earth.

Question 5

Illiberal democracy-

Answer 5

Basically weak democracy, and its nickname is hybrid regime. It looks like a democracy since it has three branches, elections take place, citizens can vote, there is competition between political parties, and citizen participation is existent. However, the rule of law is lacking, and democratic structures are not highly established.

Question 6

How do they maintain power?

Answer 6

• Personal Rule- They control by using patrimonialism (rulers give benefits to supporters in exchange for help enforcing their rule), cult of personality (they claim to possess more wisdom and strength than ordinary people), and coercion (use or threat of force) techniques.
• Military rule- They use coercion
• One party rule- Uses corporatism (when a limited number of organizations in representation of the public’s interests are controlled by the government), cult of personality, coercion, and surveillance
• Theocracy- Religious law and the “fear of god” is used to control people. For example, Christian states use Canon law, Jewish ones use Halakha, and Islamic states use Sharia.
• Illiberal democracy- Manipulation of elections, coercion, and banning certain people from running in elections are utilized to maintain power

Question 7

Modern examples

Answer 7

• Personal rule- Vladimir Putin of Russia
• Military rule- Egypt or Myanmar
• One party rule- Cuba, North Korea, China
• Theocracy- Iran, Vatican City, Taliban in Afghanistan
• Illiberal democracy- Russia

Question 8

Why do authoritarian regimes last?

Answer 8

• They provide stability
• They are pleasing to the public