5.3.4 Techniques of Authoritarianism



   Â© ADLC

 



You were introduced to these four techniques of dictatorship in Unit Four when you studied Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.



Most contemporary authoritarian systems use these techniques to maintain control:

  1. Use of terror and force
  2. Use of propaganda and indoctrination
  3. Controlled participation in the electoral process
  4. Directing popular discontent towards a scapegoat
  5. Limits on dissent

When democratic leaders use these techniques, as Hitler did in Nazi Germany, citizens should be alarmed and concerned as these techniques reject liberal principles.

Please watch the following video explain how to be a modern-day dictator:

 

 

How to Be a Modern-Day Dictator", PBS NewsHour, You-tube"

 




Please read and take notes on how each techniques is used to maintain control:

Propaganda: pages 362-363
Controlled Participation: page 363
Directing Public Discontent: pages 363-364
Use of Force & Terror: page 364


Please review this Backgrounder on Techniques to Maintain Authoritarian Control. 

Statue of Kim Il-sung, North Korea © Courtesy Eric Lafforgue

Example: North Korea

Formally known as The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea is one of the most fascinating and confusing examples of authoritarianism in the world today. This by-no-means liberal, impoverished, and highly secretive single-party state has its own unique ideology and a strong personality cult following its founder, Kim Il-sung.

North Korea became an independent state in the 1950s after the Korean War. It follows an ideology of Juche or self-reliance based on the idea that "Man is the master of everything and decides everything." Developed by Kim Il-sung, the ideology is also referred to as "Kimilsungism". It includes the following:

  • political independence
  • economic self-reliance
  • self-defense

    Please watch the following video explain North Korea:

     

     

     "How the Kim Dynasty Took Over North Korea", History, You-tube

     



Cult of Personality

Statues to Kim Il-sung are in many prominent places, and many people travel for miles to see them, bursting into tears at the sight of the former beloved leader. He is revered to the extent that he has been named "Eternal" president, and no future leaders may be named "president". His son, Kim Jong-il, assumed the leadership after his death and is referred to as "Great Leader" or "Supreme Leader".

Please watch the following video explain cult personality of Kim Jong-il:

 

 

 "Kim Jong-il Dictator/Mini Bio/BIO", Biography, You-tube

 





  • Do you think the government of North Korea acts in the common good of its people?
  • To what extent is the will of the people reflected in their actions?

As you read, take notes on the following:
Can an authoritarian political systems support liberal principles?
To what extent does a dictatorship reject liberalism?

Please watch the following video lyrics to song Cult of Personality by Living Colour:

 

  

 "Living Colour-Cult of Personality (Lyrics)", TheDrLyric, You-tube