The 5 types of dictatorship: from totalitarianism to authoritarianism

Although it seems incredible in the XXI century, in the contemporary world dictatorial governments and regimes continue to exist or, in other exceptional cases, democratic government systems with the character of dictatorship.

However, this is not so strange if we take into account that the 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. It offered protection in exchange for power.

We'll see now what are the types of dictatorship that have existed and what are its characteristics.

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What is the 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 that "dictator" was invoked to bring order and stability in moments 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 powers of the state fall directly and exclusively on an individual or, in many cases, a political group such as a hegemonic party.

The characteristic features of this type of political system are non-acceptance of any type of opposition to its guidelines, enactment of laws or their 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 themselves.

Another point to take into account is the way in which dictatorships take place or how they have been established. As would happen in ancient Rome, authoritarian governments are preceded by political instability, strong economic crises and, ultimately, a social discontent that generates dependence on a saving figure who takes power by force, hiding himself in restoring peace.

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Types of dictatorship

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

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

1. Authoritarianism

Authoritarianism is a side of the dictatorship 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 "oneself" (self) and "power" (krátos), thus being understood as absolute power.

In this type of government, restrict civil and even social liberties, of thought and of meeting. Any confrontation with the state is often seen as an act of conspiracy and treason. Sometimes, without any kind of evidence, thus avoiding any kind of justice.

The funny thing about authoritarianism is that power is often brought to power through democratic elections, but that over time the president configures the country's constitution to perpetuate himself in power and limit his functions.

2. Totalitarianism

Totalitarianism is the opposite of authoritarianism. Unlike the first, in totalitarianism seeks the support of the masses, acceptance and legitimacy, although then they use power to eradicate any type of dissent, often with practices of terror.

In this dictatorship own ideology is well worked out and it 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 that figure called the leader.

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

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3. Military

The military dictatorship was also very popular in the 20th century due to the profound changes that occurred with the decolonization period 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 Chief of the Armed Forces and has the support of the army.

Normally, military dictatorships remain in power only through the use of force, coups d'état that have overthrown another type of previous political system, be it 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, such as Iran or the Sultanate of Oman.

Whether in a consensual manner or by imposition, theocratic regimes are ruled by divinity, by a specific religion, and legislate based on 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 monarchy with respect to the European ones, since tribal monarchies are a post-colonial concept which was established throughout the Persian Gulf to North Africa.

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

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

The control of society is total, the opposition is persecuted, punished and cruelly repressed. In addition, 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 with total normality. As examples we can highlight the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar or Kuwait.

Bibliographic references:

• Elster, Jon, comp. (2001). Deliberative democracy. Barcelona: Gedisa Location: 321.8 ELSd (in English).
• Rawls, John. (1996). Political liberalism. Mexico: Economic Culture Fund 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.