lecture three Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the difference between an authoritarian and a totalitarian regime?
Authoritarian: centralized power, limited political freedoms. Totalitarian: total control over all life aspects, ideology-driven, extreme repression.
Why is North Korea considered totalitarian?
Due to total control, personality cult, isolation, state ideology (Juche), and pervasive repression.
Why is repression important in authoritarian rule?
It deters opposition, consolidates power, and maintains regime stability.
Why is repression alone not enough for authoritarian survival?
It can reduce legitimacy, harm economic performance, and create social unrest.
Can authoritarian regimes exist without repression?
Some like Singapore or UAE use a mix of control, economic success, and limited freedoms.
Why are monarchies and single-party regimes resilient?
They have historical legitimacy, centralized control, repression, loyalty networks, and limited pluralism.
Why did monarchies survive better than republics during the Arab Spring?
Due to legitimacy, reforms, social programs, and external support.
Why do authoritarian regimes hold elections?
To gain legitimacy, manage opposition, and ensure controlled transitions.
When can elections backfire for authoritarian regimes?
Unexpected losses, legitimacy crises, and empowered opposition.
Why are military coups less frequent today?
Global democratic norms, civilian oversight, and international pressure.
Why is military rule unpopular?
Linked to repression, poor economic management, and lack of accountability.
What are concerns with the rise of personalism in leadership?
It erodes institutions, promotes authoritarianism, fosters corruption, and causes polarization.
Is Russia under Putin less authoritarian than China under Xi?
Russia has limited pluralism, China has none. Both are authoritarian but on different ends of the spectrum.
Should we differentiate authoritarian regimes by their elections?
Yes, as degrees of pluralism affect legitimacy, international perception, and opposition dynamics.
Can people be better off in authoritarian regimes?
In some cases: stability, economic growth, and unity might outweigh political freedoms for some populations.
