POL 252-01Fall 2015
INSTRUCTIONS
You are a new dictator of an established country.
How would you gain and maintain your power?
Would your actions changein the threat of a populist uprising?
We will discuss your thoughts with a partner and the class.
Who Rules? Answer: Single Individual or Small Elite
Political Participation: Players and Rules
No Democratic Accountability Court System
Constitutional Guarantees
Emphasis: Middle Ages
Connection to “waves” of democratization
Declined significantly in 1970s
Number have still taken and maintained power
Robert Mugabe
FidelCastro
#1: Problem of Authoritarian Power-Sharing
#2: Problem of Authoritarian Control
In the United States and otherdemocratic nations, executives do not
face threats to their power from military elites or cabinet members.
Obama as Commander-in-Chief
The Obama Cabinet, 2014
Removing leaders is usually not possible
Challenge: Countering challenges from masses while keeping them submissive
What is the “dictator’s dilemma?”
What strategies do leaders use to maintain control?
#1: Group Support and Policies
#2: Multiparty Elections
#3: Formal Institutions
#4: Repression
The Brazilian Senate
Socialist economy + Authoritarian Politics
Common Features: Encompassing Ideology
Single Political Party led by Dominant Leader
Mobilization of Support for Party and Leader
State Ownership of Media
Use of Terror and Violence
Centralized Direction / Control of Economy
Historical and Current Examples
of Totalitarian States
Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union)
Adolf Hitler (Germany)
Mao Zedong(China)
Kim Jong-un(North Korea)
Monarchies
Military Regimes
Civilian Regimes
Who Rules? Emphasis on Royal Descent
Common Types of Monarchies: Ceremonial Monarchies
Ruling Monarchies
Dynastic Monarchies
Challenge is asserting political legitimacy Without election, how do you make citizens happy?
Common rule from World War II to 1980s
Africa
Asia
Latin America
Middle East
Who Rules?
Group of military officers
Power by coup d'état
#1: Breakthrough Coup- Traditional elite overthrown by military
#2: Veto Coup- High-ranking officers order repression of mass movement
#3: Guardian Coup (“Musical Chairs” Coup)- Power seized for efficiency, national security, or corruption- Leadership shifts between military and citizens
#4: Bloodless Coup- Threat of violence enough to defer coup from happening
#5: Self Coup- Assumption of power through co-opting institutions- Declaration of “emergency” powers
How does military consolidate power?
Cannot use violence
Convince citizens of legitimacy / right to rule
Three Responses:
Return to Democratic Rule…eventually…
Hold Elections…but military party has advantages
Defend Nation Against Internal/External Threats
1) Martial Law
Curfews, Banning Protests/Demonstrations
2) Use of Spies/Informants
Mission: Find and Kill Dissidents
3) Ban Opposition Media Outlets
Dominant Party
Personalistic
COMMUNIST REGIMES
Organization Hierarchy
Rise to Power and Legitimacy Revolution
Nationalism
FASCIST REGIMES
Organization Dominant Political Figure
Rise to Power and Legitimacy Ideology
Promotion of “Democracy”
Charismatic Leadership
Person supported by party or military Retention of political control and authority
Characteristics:
Weak or nonexistent press
Strong secret police
Arbitrary use of state violence
Contests are not “free” and fair,” heavily favoring the ruling party
Illiberal and/or Hybrid Regime
Two Main Types:
Hegemonic Electoral Regime
Competitive Authoritarian Regime
Historical Institutionalism
Poverty and Inequality
State Weakness and Failure
Political Culture
Barriers to Collective Action