Authoritarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know (R)

Authoritarianism is making a comeback, with around 40% of the world's population living under some form of authoritarian rule and authoritarian regimes governing about a third of the world's countries. This book provides an overview of the current authoritarian wave, explaining how it came to be and its features, and examining the techniques authoritarians use to take power, survive, and fall. Understanding how politics works in authoritarian regimes and recognizing the factors that give rise to or trigger their downfall is essential.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Despite the spread of democratization following the Cold War's end, all signs indicate that we are currently witnessing a resurgence of authoritarianism. Around forty percent of the world's people live under some form of authoritarian rule, and authoritarian regimes govern about a third of the world's countries. In Authoritarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know, Erica Frantz guides us through today's authoritarian wave, explaining how it came to be and what its features are. She also looks at authoritarians themselves, focusing in particular on the techniques they use to take power, the strategies they use to survive, and how they fall. As she demonstrates, understanding how politics works in authoritarian regimes and recognizing the factors that either give rise to them or trigger their downfall remains as important as ever. This book paves the ways for such an understanding.

Authoritarianism is a clear and concise overview that provides readers with a context for making sense of one of the most important and most worrying developments in contemporary world politics.

The rise of authoritarianism can be attributed to various factors, including political instability, economic inequality, and the erosion of democratic institutions. Authoritarian regimes often use repression, censorship, and violence to maintain power, and they often limit political opposition and civil liberties.

One of the key features of authoritarianism is the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals or a small group. This can be seen in the cases of dictatorships, where one person or a small group holds absolute power and controls the government, the media, and the economy. Authoritarian regimes also often use propaganda and misinformation to control the narrative and suppress dissent.

Another feature of authoritarianism is the erosion of democratic institutions and the rule of law. Authoritarian regimes often undermine the independence of the judiciary, the media, and civil society organizations, and they often use these institutions to suppress political opposition and maintain power.

Authoritarian regimes also often use economic policies to maintain power, such as state-controlled industries, subsidies, and economic controls. This can lead to economic instability, poverty, and inequality, which can further fuel social unrest and political opposition.

Despite the challenges posed by authoritarianism, there are also opportunities for resistance and change. Civil society organizations, human rights activists, and political opposition groups can work together to challenge authoritarian regimes and promote democratic values and institutions.

One of the key strategies for resistance is building a strong and diverse civil society. Civil society organizations can provide a platform for political opposition, promote human rights, and provide social services to marginalized communities. They can also work to promote transparency and accountability in government institutions and to hold elected officials accountable for their actions.

Another strategy for resistance is promoting political education and awareness. Political education can help individuals understand the political system and the power dynamics that shape it. It can also help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in political processes and to hold elected officials accountable.

Finally, resistance can also take the form of nonviolent activism and protest. Nonviolent activism can help to raise awareness of political issues and to pressure elected officials to take action. It can also help to build momentum for political change and to demonstrate that authoritarian regimes are not invincible.

In conclusion, authoritarianism is a significant and concerning development in contemporary world politics. Despite the spread of democratization following the Cold War's end, all signs indicate that we are currently witnessing a resurgence of authoritarianism. Understanding how politics works in authoritarian regimes and recognizing the factors that either give rise to them or trigger their downfall remains as important as ever. By building a strong and diverse civil society, promoting political education and awareness, and engaging in nonviolent activism and protest, we can work together to challenge authoritarian regimes and promote democratic values and institutions.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 205 x 135 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190880200