Authoritarian rule involves extreme concentration of power in the hands of a single leader who rules by fear and violence. This regime typically combines elements of democracy, such as a legislature and political parties, with dictatorial control over the economy and judiciary. It also includes an extensive censorship of information and control over media, which often demonizes critics of the regime.
The emergence of authoritarian regimes is alarming for people around the world. They threaten the global rule of law and democracy, and create a global climate of insecurity, armed conflict, lawless violence, corruption and economic volatility that could cost millions of lives.
Quick Decision-Making
Authoritarian leaders often make decisions quickly, which can be beneficial in crisis situations where fast action is needed. They may also make decisions based on emotion and feelings, which can be effective in mobilizing followers.
Corrupting Elections
21st-century autocrats generally maintain the appearance of elections while tilting the rules, suppressing votes and biasing or even overturning results. They also frequently engage in constitutional hardball, by rewriting laws or stacking competing institutions with lackeys and compliant allies. They justify expansion of executive power with cults of personality, aggrandizement of the trappings of office, and denigrating checks and balances as corrupt obstacles to the popular will.
Stoking Violence
Many authoritarians look the other way or actively inflame politically-useful outbreaks of violence to advance their agendas. This can offer a legal cover for restrictions on civil liberties and expansion of coercive security measures, as well as for stoking divisions and feelings of insecurity that help authoritarians cling to power.
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