Authoritarianism - A Very Short Introduction

Authoritarianism is one of the buzzwords of our age. But what is it exactly? This Very Short Introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the world of authoritarian regimes, including military, single-party, and personalist regimes. It considers how understandings of authoritarianism have evolved over time, as well as the curious fact that many authoritarian regimes today hold elections. Drawing on examples from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, James Loxton examines the life cycle of authoritarian regimes. How are they born? What challenges do they face during life? Why do they die? The author shows how factors such as natural resource wealth and cross-border collaboration can contribute to authoritarian durability. He also highlights the disturbing fact that even when authoritarian regimes collapse, voters often use their newfound democratic rights to send former authoritarian officials back to office.

List of contents

• 1: What is Authoritarianism?


• 2: Varieties of Authoritarianism


• 3: The Birth of Authoritarian Regimes


• 4: The Life of Authoritarian Regimes


• 5: The Death of Authoritarian Regimes


• 6: The Puzzle of Authoritarian Durability


• 7: Legacies of Authoritarianism


• References


• Further Reading

Report

Authoritarianism not only endures but is thriving in the twenty-first century. As dictatorships continue to shape politics across much of the globe, it has become clear that we need to better understand what engenders and sustains them. Authoritarianism: A Very Short Introduction is the place to start. For anyone teaching or learning about the causes, durability, and legacies of authoritarian rule, Loxton's insightful and masterfully-written book should be the first off the shelf. Steven Levitsky, David Rockefeller Professor of Latin American Studies and Professor of Government, Harvard University

Product details

• Authors: Loxton , James Loxton, James (Lecturer in Comparative Politics Loxton, Loxton James
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback
• Released: 24.10.2024
• EAN: 9780192872692
• ISBN: 978-0-19-287269-2
• Dimensions: 115 mm x 175 mm x 10 mm
• Series: Very Short Introductions; Very Short Introduction
• Subjects: Education and learning > Teaching preparation > Vocational needs; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Process / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Ideologies / Democracy, POLITICAL SCIENCE / International Relations / General, International Relations, Political structures: democracy, Political structures: totalitarianism and dictatorship, Political structures: totalitarianism & dictatorship