antitotalitarian

Antitotalitarian refers to opposition to totalitarianism. Totalitarianism is a form of government that attempts to assert total control over the lives of its citizens. This control is sought over every aspect of public and private life, as far as it is conceivable. In such states, the government, or the ruling party, is not content with merely controlling political power; it also seeks to control thought, belief, and action. Antitotalitarianism, therefore, encompasses a broad range of political ideologies and movements that resist this pervasive state control.

Those who are antitotalitarian typically advocate for individual liberties, freedom of speech, freedom of association, and the rule of law. They often champion democratic principles and human rights, viewing them as essential safeguards against the abuses inherent in totalitarian systems. Antitotalitarian sentiment can be found across the political spectrum, from liberal and libertarian viewpoints that emphasize individual autonomy to conservative perspectives that may focus on the preservation of traditional institutions against state encroachment. Historically, antitotalitarian movements have played a role in resisting fascist, communist, and other authoritarian regimes throughout the 20th century and beyond. The core of antitotalitarian thought lies in the belief that the state should not dominate or extinguish the individual's capacity for independent thought and action.