Authoritarianism

Dependence on authoritarianism
Authoritarian people
Authoritarian movements

Nature

The demanding and enforcement of complete obedience to authority may be political, parental or ideological. It may be manifested in police brutality, governmental intimidation, or organizational indoctrination. Authoritarians claim their power to have been vested in them by virtue of supreme logic or science; by God; by the culmination of historical processes in their eventuality, or by destiny; or by hierarchical position in a structure of relationships. The authoritarian truly believes in a mystique that he or she somehow earned the right to such behaviour and, frequently, that he or she is the guardian of defenders against the forces of illogic, incompetence, sloth, immorality and in general, creeping entropy.

Background

Authoritarianism emerged as a recognized global concern in the early 20th century, notably with the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe and Asia. Its significance intensified after World War II, as international organizations documented widespread human rights abuses under authoritarian rule. The problem gained renewed attention during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with scholars and policymakers tracking its resurgence and adaptation in diverse political systems worldwide.

Incidence

Authoritarianism remains a pervasive global issue, affecting diverse regions and political systems. According to the 2023 Democracy Index by The Economist Intelligence Unit, over one-third of the world’s population lives under authoritarian regimes, with notable concentrations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The persistence and spread of authoritarian practices, including restrictions on civil liberties and political opposition, have been observed even in countries with previously democratic institutions, highlighting the problem’s extensive and evolving nature.
In 2022, Iran experienced a significant surge in authoritarian measures following widespread protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. Authorities responded with mass arrests, internet blackouts, and severe crackdowns on dissent, drawing international condemnation.

Claim

The frequently friendless authoritarians are vectors of stress whether throughout the work unit, the enterprise, the community or the government, depending on their number or the reach of their influence. They can never be re-educated to be other than what they are and must simply be broken by time and events. Weak persons may revel in the idea that they are authoritarian, giving them an imaginary strength, while in reality they are petty, as is frequently exhibited in family roles

Counter-claim

Every strong leader or government is accused of being authoritarian. Leadership, however, entails the confidence of knowing that one is right. This is not a subject for negotiation, or the verbal wrongs of those who are in a subordinate place or of those whose many and diverse interests may have to be considered. The leader acts, not only speaks, for all. Great enterprises are launched and carried to success only by the strong, acting with dispatch and unfettered by consultations. Authoritarianism's emphasis on order and discipline has been a major factor in the economic success of many countries.