POL 252-01Fall 2015

INSTRUCTIONS

You are a new dictator of an established country.

How would you gain and maintain your power?

Would your actions changein the threat of a populist uprising?

We will discuss your thoughts with a partner and the class.

Who Rules? Answer: Single Individual or Small Elite

Political Participation: Players and Rules

No Democratic Accountability Court System

Constitutional Guarantees

Emphasis: Middle Ages

Connection to “waves” of democratization

Declined significantly in 1970s

Number have still taken and maintained power

Robert Mugabe

FidelCastro

#1: Problem of Authoritarian Power-Sharing

#2: Problem of Authoritarian Control

In the United States and otherdemocratic nations, executives do not

face threats to their power from military elites or cabinet members.

Obama as Commander-in-Chief

The Obama Cabinet, 2014

Removing leaders is usually not possible

Challenge: Countering challenges from masses while keeping them submissive

What is the “dictator’s dilemma?”

What strategies do leaders use to maintain control?

#1: Group Support and Policies

#2: Multiparty Elections

#3: Formal Institutions

#4: Repression

The Brazilian Senate

Socialist economy + Authoritarian Politics

Common Features: Encompassing Ideology

Single Political Party led by Dominant Leader

Mobilization of Support for Party and Leader

State Ownership of Media

Use of Terror and Violence

Centralized Direction / Control of Economy

Historical and Current Examples

of Totalitarian States

Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union)

Adolf Hitler (Germany)

Mao Zedong(China)

Kim Jong-un(North Korea)

Monarchies

Military Regimes

Civilian Regimes

Who Rules? Emphasis on Royal Descent

Common Types of Monarchies: Ceremonial Monarchies

Ruling Monarchies

Dynastic Monarchies

Challenge is asserting political legitimacy Without election, how do you make citizens happy?

Common rule from World War II to 1980s

Africa

Asia

Latin America

Middle East

Who Rules?

Group of military officers

Power by coup d'état

#1: Breakthrough Coup- Traditional elite overthrown by military

#2: Veto Coup- High-ranking officers order repression of mass movement

#3: Guardian Coup (“Musical Chairs” Coup)- Power seized for efficiency, national security, or corruption- Leadership shifts between military and citizens

#4: Bloodless Coup- Threat of violence enough to defer coup from happening

#5: Self Coup- Assumption of power through co-opting institutions- Declaration of “emergency” powers

How does military consolidate power?

Cannot use violence

Convince citizens of legitimacy / right to rule

Three Responses:

Return to Democratic Rule…eventually…

Hold Elections…but military party has advantages

Defend Nation Against Internal/External Threats

1) Martial Law

Curfews, Banning Protests/Demonstrations

2) Use of Spies/Informants

Mission: Find and Kill Dissidents

3) Ban Opposition Media Outlets

Dominant Party

Personalistic

COMMUNIST REGIMES

Organization Hierarchy

Rise to Power and Legitimacy Revolution

Nationalism

FASCIST REGIMES

Organization Dominant Political Figure

Rise to Power and Legitimacy Ideology

Promotion of “Democracy”

Charismatic Leadership

Person supported by party or military Retention of political control and authority

Characteristics:

Weak or nonexistent press

Strong secret police

Arbitrary use of state violence

Contests are not “free” and fair,” heavily favoring the ruling party

Illiberal and/or Hybrid Regime

Two Main Types:

Hegemonic Electoral Regime

Competitive Authoritarian Regime

Historical Institutionalism

Poverty and Inequality

State Weakness and Failure

Political Culture

Barriers to Collective Action