Civics 101 What is authoritarianism?
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Dec 10, 2024 
Join Anne Applebaum, a Staff writer for The Atlantic and a historian, as she delves into the multifaceted world of authoritarianism. She breaks down the characteristics of autocratic regimes and discusses how they erode individual rights and manipulate laws. Applebaum highlights the alarming shift toward autocracy in the U.S., emphasizing the need for civic engagement to combat modern propaganda. The conversation touches on the influence of technology and the dangers of polarizing political rhetoric that threaten democracy.
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Defining Autocracy
- Authoritarianism/autocracy is a system where one person or group rules without checks and balances.
- They operate by "rule by law," where the law is whatever the ruler says, changing arbitrarily.
Three Characteristics of Autocracies
- Autocracies share three key traits: lack of guaranteed rights, no legitimate way to oppose the ruler, and no ability to argue based on law.
- Citizens lack freedom of speech, can't change their government, and have no legal recourse.
Dictatorships vs. Autocracies
- All dictators are autocrats, but not all autocracies are dictatorships.
- Various autocracy types exist, like communist China, nationalist Russia, and theocratic Iran, each with differing levels of freedom.
