5.3.1 Introduction to Authoritarian Political Systems 

Liberal democracy is a relatively new political system in world history. Before democracy, most nations had authoritarian governments, absolute monarchs, who were unelected, unaccountable, and not necessarily acting in the best interests of the people.

When democracy first began in Europe, it caused great unrest. The change in the status quo and the violence that accompanied the French and American Revolutions were of great concern to many people. As people began to experience more freedom, there was also a loss of collective security. Although we know now that was a temporary condition, we can also understand the problems that the democratic revolution created in these societies.


Dictators Hassan Rouhani of Iran and Vladimir Putin of Russia in a meeting on September 13th, 2013. Photo taken by the the Russian Presidential Press and Information Office. Courtesy of the kremlin.ru. Creative Commons 3.0.

Authoritarianism Today

Most people living in the Western world believe that liberal democracy is the best political system to meet the needs of all people.

However, millions live in non-democratic states. These countries might be former communist states moving towards democracy, former democracies taken over by powerful elites with military support, or authoritarian states incorporating some aspects of democracy. They might be nations in which many people have strong religious beliefs and support a religious figure as a ruler. Authoritarian states can have either a capitalist or a centrally-planned economy. Generally, leaders in authoritarian states control the media, restrict opposition and dissent, and are not accountable to the people.

Serving the Common Good?

In democratic systems, voters and the representatives they elect must make decisions to benefit the entire nation. Some of these decisions, such as the establishment of universal health care, the abolition of smoking in public places, and mandatory seat belt use, might be controversial because they put the common good above the rights of the individual.

Many authoritarian political systems believe they operate for the common good and that the decisions they make are in the best interests of their people.

As you learned in Unit One, ideological perspectives are based on individual and collective beliefs and values. Only you can say what you believe concerning your ideological principles.

In this section, you will explore authoritarian systems and consider the extent to which they demonstrate liberal principles and values.


  • Is it possible to believe in an ideology in which submission to authority is part of your belief system?
  •  Is it possible for individuals to trust a leader who is not accountable to their will?



As you read the pages that follow, including the textbook passages, take notes about authoritarianism in practice, considering the following questions:
  • Is it possible for authoritarian political systems to be liberal in any sense?