* Centralized power: A single person or small group holds absolute power, with little or no checks and balances.
* Limited individual freedoms: Civil liberties are often restricted, and dissent is suppressed.
* Strict social control: The government tightly controls the lives of its citizens, often through propaganda, censorship, and surveillance.
* Emphasis on obedience and loyalty: Citizens are expected to follow orders and conform to the leader's ideology.
* Lack of accountability: The government often operates without transparency or legal constraints.
Examples of authoritarian regimes:
* Dictatorships: A single person holds absolute power, often through force or intimidation.
* Totalitarian states: The government controls every aspect of life, including the economy, education, and culture.
* One-party states: Only one political party is allowed to exist, and all political power is concentrated in that party.
It's important to note:
* Not all strong governments are authoritarian. Strong leadership can be compatible with democratic principles.
* Authoritarianism is distinct from totalitarianism. Totalitarianism aims for complete control over all aspects of life, while authoritarianism focuses more on maintaining power and enforcing obedience.
In summary, authoritarianism is a form of rule that emphasizes centralized power, limited individual freedoms, strict social control, and obedience to the leader, often with a lack of accountability.