Authoritarianism and totalitarianism are two forms of non-democratic political systems. They are different in how much control they exert over citizens and how much power is held in the hands of one leader or party. While both systems are oppressive to citizens and grant powerful individuals or groups an undemocratic level of control, conceptualizing these governing systems as two distinct types of state can help us understand how policy is made and how systems of power are structured.
Understanding Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism is a type of non-democratic political system in which a single person or group holds complete control over citizens. Power is concentrated in the hands of those in authority, and public policy is shaped by those in positions of power, with only minimal input from citizens. Authoritarian regimes are often oppressive, with suppression of free expression, public assembly, and civil liberties common.
Characteristics of Authoritarianism
Authoritarian systems are characterized by the following features:
• Concentration of Power: In authoritarian systems, power is held in the hands of a few, who exercise control over the citizens.
• Limited Citizen Participation: Citizens have limited or no authority to influence decision-making or to advocate for change.
• No Free Expression: Free expression or open dissent of the ruling power are often suppressed.
• Limited or No Voting Rights: Typically, those in power control elections and appoint candidates with no real input from citizens.
• Low Wages: Low wages are common under authoritarian regimes.
• Human Rights Violations: Civil and human rights are often violated under authoritarian systems.
History of Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism has a long history in many countries. In the modern era, authoritarianism gained prominence in the late 19th century, with a variety of authoritarian regimes in place across Europe and Asia. The 20th century saw a proliferation of authoritarian regimes, from Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union to various military juntas in Latin America.
In recent years, authoritarianism has become increasingly commonplace in many countries, with regimes using various tactics to stay in power. In some countries (e.g., Hungary, Poland), the rule of law has been weakened in order to grant powers to select leaders; in others (e.g., Russia, Turkey), elections have been manipulated in order to keep rulers in power.
Understanding Totalitarianism
Totalitarianism is a powerful form of authoritarian rule in which a single person or group holds absolute control over citizens. This type of government exerts total control over citizens, seeking to regulate every aspect of their lives, from private beliefs to public behavior. Under totalitarianism, citizens have no right to dissent or voice their opinion, and all aspects of the media, culture, and economy are controlled by the government.
Characteristics of Totalitarianism
Totalitarian regimes are characterized by the following features:
• Concentrated Power: In totalitarian systems, power is firmly held by a single leader or party.
• Centralized Authority: All aspects of government, from media to the economy, are tightly controlled.
• Propaganda: Totalitarian regimes depend on propaganda, which is disseminated via state-controlled media, to manipulate public opinion.
• Surveillance: Totalitarian states often use mass surveillance techniques to monitor the activities of citizens.
• Petition Denied: Citizens do not have the right to dissent or challenge accepted policy.
• Repression of Protest: Protest and debates are not allowed, and can result in arrest or imprisonment.
• Citizen Subjugation: Citizens are expected to follow the will of the leader or party, and no freedom of choice is allowed.
History of Totalitarianism
The emergence of totalitarianism can be traced back to the 20th century, when a number of powerful dictators and parties rose to power around the world. In Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler used propaganda and mass surveillance to control the population, while Joseph Stalin made the Soviet Union a totalitarian state with his ruthless and repressive policies. Other powerful leaders, such as Italy’s Mussolini, China’s Mao Zedong, and Cambodia’s Pol Pot, employed various forms of totalitarianism to stay in power.
Today, totalitarianism is certainly not as strong as it was in the past, but it remains a major force in many parts of the world. North Korea, for example, is one of the most repressive and oppressive states on earth, and its leader, Kim Jong Un, has total control over the population. In addition, elements of totalitarianism are present in many countries, from restrictions on freedom of expression to manipulation of elections.
Differences Between Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism
Though both authoritarianism and totalitarianism are types of non-democratic governments, there are a few key differences between them.
• Power: Under authoritarianism, power is concentrated in the hands of a few, with little input from citizens allowed, while under totalitarianism, absolute power is held by one leader or group
• Oppression: Authoritarianism tends to be oppressive, while totalitarianism is extremely oppressive.
• Participation: Authoritarianism limits citizen participation, while totalitarianism does not allow any.
• Control: Under authoritarianism, citizens have some control over their lives, while under totalitarianism, citizens have no control.
Conclusion
Authoritarianism and totalitarianism are two distinct forms of non-democratic political systems. While both are oppressive to citizens and grant powerful individuals or groups an undemocratic amount of control, they differ in how much control is exerted over citizens and how much power is held in the hands of one leader or party. Understanding the differences between these two systems can help us identify how policy is made and how systems of power are structured.
