PSCI 1034 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Plutocracy, Nasserism, Goodluck Jonathan
Document Summary
Authoritarian regimes are considered the most viable alternatives to democracies. Often discussions of authoritarianism are discussing the juxtaposition to democracy, not necessarily because they are legitimate in their own right. Single ruler (autocracy) or an elite ruling group (oligarchy) The ruler in the autocracy often has advisors, but the power lies with one. The ruler(s) are the sole source of authority. The most common types of oligarchy are military elites. Citizens have a moral duty to support their ruler. Individual rights are balanced with the interests of the state. This is something that authoritarian regimes have in common with democracy. Political opposition is met with varying levels of force (coercion and/or violent suppression) The right to express political opposition truly exemplifies the difference between democracy and authoritarian regimes. It is not true that in an authoritarian regime, citizens do not have individual rights. Strong control of media and propaganda (censorship is a preferred tool)
