POL 161 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Corporatism, Civil Society, Totalitarianism
Document Summary
Nondemocratic regimes represent a wide array of system, many bearing little resemblance to one another: tend then to speak of nondemocratic regimes in terms of what they deny their citizens: participation, competition, and liberty > authoritarianism. Violence and resulting terror are often use to destroy obstacles to change. Eliminates individuals ability to aspire to and create freedom: emerges when those who come to power profess a radical or reactionary political attitude that rejects status quo and seeks dramatic change. Elites may be less willing to share power when they fear losing their economic opportunities in the process: rivals for power seek control speci cally so that they can enrich themselves. Can subsidize itself as long as the resources last and have a market. Civil society is crucial to democratic life because it allows individuals to organize, articulate their preferences, and form networks that cross economic, social, or political divides: crucial for democratic action > absent in authoritarian systems.
