The 5 types of dictatorship: from totalitarianism to authoritarianism

Even today there are many ways to destroy political systems based on democracy.

Incredible as it may seem in the 21st century, dictatorial governments and regimes continue to exist in today's world. dictatorial governments and regimes still exist in the contemporary world. or, in other exceptional cases, democratic systems of government with a dictatorial character.

However, this is not so strange if we take into account that dictatorship was a common form of government since the existence of the first civilizations, in which "a lord" held all the powers concerning the administration of the resources, concerns and lives of his fellow citizens. He offered protection in exchange for power.

In the following we will see which are the types of dictatorships that have existed and what are and which are their characteristics.

What is dictatorship?

The origin of the term dictatorship comes from the Latin word "dictator", and dates back to ancient times, specifically during the Roman Empire, where the "dictator" was invoked to bring order and stability to the country. invoked this "dictator" to bring order and stability in times of institutional turmoil. stability in times of institutional turmoil.

The concept of dictatorship corresponds to a type or system of government (commonly also known as a regime) whose legislative, judicial and executive state powers are vested directly and exclusively in an individual or, in many cases, a political group. or, in many cases, a political group such as a hegemonic party.

The characteristic features of this type of political system are the non-acceptance of any kind of opposition to their directives, enactment of laws or to theirThe characteristic features of this type of political system are the non-acceptance of any opposition to its directives, enactment of laws or to its ideas. In other words, the dictator has absolute power and authority. There is no participation or expression of the rest of the forces or of the people itself.

Another point to take into account is the way in which dictatorships are created or how they have been established. As was the case in ancient Rome, authoritarian governments are preceded by political instability, strong economic crises and, ultimately, social unrest and, in short, a social discontent that generates dependence on a savior figure who takes power by force, shielding himself by reestablishing peace.

Types of dictatorship

Although the new times point to the disappearance of this political system, since its decline in the last twentieth century dictatorship has evolved and taken different forms.

Here we will detail the types of dictatorship that still persist in some countries of the world.

Authoritarianism

Authoritarianism is an aspect of dictatorship in which the form of government is in which the form of government is composed of a single person or political elite. The etymology comes from the concept autocracy, from the Greek "autokráteia", which means "self" (auto) and "power" (krátos), meaning absolute power.

In this type of government, civil and even civil and even social liberties, freedom of thought and assembly are restricted.of thought and assembly are restricted. Any confrontation with the state is usually considered an act of conspiracy and treason. Sometimes, without any kind of evidence, thus evading any kind of justice.

The curious thing about authoritarianisms is that they often come to power by means of democratic electionsThe curious thing about authoritarianisms is that they often come to power through democratic elections, but over time the ruler configures the constitution of the country to perpetuate himself in power and unlimited his functions.

2. Totalitarianism

Totalitarianism is the opposite of authoritarianism. Unlike the former, in totalitarianism totalitarianism seeks the support of the masses.The dictatorship is a dictatorship of the state, acceptance and legitimacy, even if it then uses power to eradicate any kind of dissent, often with practices of terror.

In this dictatorship its own ideology is well elaborated and has a very broad framework of action within society, such as culture, economy, values, customs and religion. Power is also concentrated in a single person outlining a cult of idolatry towards this figure called leader.

Another distinctive element is that totalitarianism seeks to radically change the mentality of the people. seeks to radically change the mentality of its citizens, to eliminate any other type of thought and toIt also seeks to eliminate any other type of thinking and create a new identity that allows them to control them psychologically.

3. military

Military dictatorship was also very popular in the 20th century due to the profound changes that occurred with the period of decolonization in Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. In this case all power resides in the hands of what is called the military junta, whose head of state is the Head of State.whose head of state is the Chief of the Armed Forces and is supported by the army.

Normally military dictatorships remain in power only through the use of force, from coups d'état that have overthrown another type of previous political system, whether democratic, legitimate or authoritarian.

4. Theocracy

Theocracy is a relatively new model, with autocratic overtones but not exclusively, since there are theocratic governments that have come to power through free elections, as is the case of Iran or the Sultanate of Oman.

Either by consent or by imposition, theocratic regimes are governed by divinity, by a specific religion, and legislate according to it.and legislate according to it. The relevant constitution usually recognizes religion as a way of administering the state, both politically and civilly. These systems usually have a supreme religious leader within the government.

5. Tribal monarchies

It is necessary to distinguish well this type of monarchies with respect to the European ones, because tribal monarchies are a post-colonial concept that was established that was established throughout the Persian Gulf up to North Africa.

As in any conventional monarchy, power is controlled by a single king surrounded by subjects to whom he dictates the social or political norms, which are usually of a religious nature as in a theocracy, with their respective divine leaders and a rigid constitution.

The power is held by a family who have perpetuated themselves in power through force or deceit, setting themselves up as leaders of the nation.

Control of society is total, opposition is persecuted, punished and cruelly repressed.. Moreover, these types of practices are not hidden, which differentiates them from previous models of dictatorship. Executions in public squares or crowded civic spaces are carried out as a matter of course. As examples we can highlight the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar or Kuwait.

Bibliographical references:

• Elster, Jon, comp. (2001). La democracia deliberativa. Barcelona: Gedisa Location: 321.8 ELSd (in English).
• Rawls, John. (1996). Liberalismo político. Mexico: Fondo de Cultura Económica Location: 320.51 RAWli.
• Weber, Marx. (1991). Political writings. Madrid: Alianza Location: 301.045 WEBes.
• Weber, Marx. (1972). The politician and the scientist. Madrid: Alianza Location: 301.045 WEBpo.