Understanding Authoritarianism

Authoritarian systems are characterized by leaders who are not chosen through free and fair elections, with terms like dictatorship and autocracy often used interchangeably. Many common definitions exclude the complex hybrid regimes that do not fit neatly into binary classifications of democracy or dictatorship. Historically, terms like 'totalitarian' are now rarely applied, as most current authoritarian regimes do not exhibit the same characteristics as those seen in the early 20th century. Recognizing these distinctions is essential when discussing political dynamics in countries like China.