7 Tactics of Authoritarian Rule

Authoritarian rule is on the rise around the world, and it must be confronted. It manifests itself in a range of ways, from denial of election results to attacks on core freedoms to escalating political violence. Yet, despite the many forms it takes, it tends to follow clear and consistent patterns. By understanding these seven tactics, we can distinguish the threat of authoritarianism from the hard policy jockeying that is a normal part of democracy.

For example, when scholars refer to “competitive authoritarianism,” they mean a regime that comes to power democratically but then erodes the system of checks and balances to entrench power and shield itself from accountability. Typically, the executive fills civil service jobs and key appointments with loyalists, and it targets media, universities and nongovernmental organizations to blunt criticism and tilt electoral playing fields in favor of its party. And, in a practice known as “telephone law,” autocrats tell judges—literally via telephone—how to preside over politically sensitive cases.

Another tactic is to inflame social divisions and foster feelings of insecurity. This helps to justify restrictions on freedoms and expansion of coercive security measures. It also gives dictators a cover for the exploitation and corruption that they invariably engage in.

A third strategy is to use science and technology to promote nationalist narratives of unity, uniformity, or progress. This is often done through state-sponsored tv channels or schools. The aim is to make citizens feel that the nation’s future, identity and self-worth are in danger if they don’t follow the leadership of the ruling party.