autoritarian

Authoritarianism, sometimes spelled autoritarian in some texts, refers to a political system in which power is concentrated in the hands of a leader or a small elite. In authoritarian regimes, political pluralism is limited and government accountability to the public is constrained. Civil liberties, such as freedom of expression, assembly, and media independence, are typically restricted, and opposition groups may be suppressed.

Key features often include centralized authority, weak or controlled rule of law, and reliance on bureaucratic or security apparatuses to maintain control. Elections may occur but are frequently noncompetitive, and parties outside the ruling structure have limited influence. The regime may use censorship, surveillance, and propaganda to shape public opinion and deter dissent. Patronage and personal loyalty to leaders can help sustain the system.

Authoritarianism is distinct from totalitarianism, which seeks comprehensive control over society and ideology. It can manifest in various forms, including monarchies, military regimes, and one-party states, and it may allow limited economic freedoms or social policies within a tightly regulated framework. In contemporary discourse, terms like soft authoritarianism, illiberal democracy, or hybrid regimes are sometimes used to describe systems that blend formal elections with substantial restrictions on civil liberties.

Critics argue that authoritarian rule undermines human rights and accountable governance, while proponents may cite stability, swift decision-making, or economic growth. The term remains a central category in comparative politics and political science.