Esaay- 1,2,7 Authoritarianism Flashcards
Countries become authoritarian through: great man theory? Crisis theory? Alienation theory?
- Thomas Carlyle, perfect government demanded rule by a great man who possessed extraordinary abilities
- detested democracy because it threatened to destroy the elitist social and economic order he admired in Great Britain
-conditions of sever distress, people turn to it because of charismatic leaders, simple
solutions, promise of future well being
-Eric from believe modern society created feeling of isolation and lack of power that causes people to seek direction from a strong leader
Core beliefs of authoritarianism?
Supremacy of the state: state holds all political power. Purpose of citizens is to serve state. Leader determines nature of relationship, not all cruel.
Collective society: government tries to eliminate all important political, social and economic diff between social groups. All public activities controlled. State controls economy.
Changing leadership: no procedure for changing leader. Leader rule until die. Sometimes choose successor.
Social control in an authoritarian state?
Indoctrination: people taught only one way of doing things, all other are wrong. Teaches blind acceptance and obedience. PROPAGANDA used to influence people’s opinions.
Popular discontent: widespread discontent when gov fails to address frustration of citizens. Can result in disobedience or social disorder. Direct the discontent away from gov, use scapegoat.
Controlled participation: people want control over lives, upset if believe no control over how governed. Upset people leads to social disorder. Ways established so people can “participate”
Fear: threat of violence creates mad fear, when people afraid, do things they wouldn’t normally. Easiest to implement, hardest to maintain.
Dictator?
- position created to deal with national emergencies
- one man given absolute power to rule until emergency was over
