Non-Democratic Regimes (Authoritarianism)

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary reason that individuals may choose not to engage in protest activity according to the models discussed?

They believe the protest will lead to violence

They think the protest will not achieve any goals (correct)

They feel that participation would disrupt social harmony

They consider it against their personal beliefs or values (correct)

What is essential for significant collective action or revolution to occur according to cultural/framing explanations?

A pre-existing social structure that encourages dissent

A unified agreement among political elites

Economic instability affecting a majority of the population

A widespread belief that revolution is a valid response (correct)

In the context of social revolutions, which factor is identified as critical for allowing protests to emerge?

The presence of a charismatic leader advocating for change

Political enlightenment among the ruling class

Increase in economic opportunity for the general populace

Collapse of central administration and military structures (correct)

Which event is NOT considered a social revolution as defined by Theda Skocpol?

Germany 1945 Signup and view all the answers

What creates opportunities for previously marginalized political movements during a social revolution?

Divisions and schisms among the elite Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of weak or failed states?

Lack of monopoly on use of force Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the concept of 'clientelism' in authoritarian regimes?

Providing benefits in exchange for political support Signup and view all the answers

Which form of authoritarianism emphasizes total control over ideology, economy, and society?

Totalitarianism Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the practice of using violence to ensure compliance in authoritarian systems?

Coercion Signup and view all the answers

Which of these characteristics is NOT commonly associated with totalitarian regimes?

Public participation in decision-making Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would scapegoating likely occur in an authoritarian context?

Targeting a minority group for societal problems Signup and view all the answers

Which cultural aspect is noted for potentially supporting authoritarian regimes?

Deference to religious authority Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the 'three C’s' that represents a method of political control in authoritarian regimes?

Cooptation Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of irredentist nationalism?

Seeking to unify territory historically held by a single nation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes modernism as it relates to nationalism?

A view that nationalism is a recent development influenced by various global dynamics Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of secessionist nationalism?

Achieving political independence from an existing state Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices was prohibited under the Taliban's rules for women?

Attending school beyond sixth grade Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of primordialism suggest about nationalism?

Collective identity forms as a necessary survival mechanism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of marginal nationalism?

Local groups in border areas identifying with adjacent countries Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of ethnic cleansing?

Mass displacement of specific ethnic groups from their homes Signup and view all the answers

How does cultural/grassroots nationalism develop?

Through communal experiences over time within groups Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes civil wars from ethnic wars?

Civil wars involve governmental forces and another group, while ethnic wars focus on two distinct ethnic groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as a reason for ethnic conflict?

Ideological differences Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of terrorism as described?

To intimidate civilians to achieve political goals Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the perpetrators of terrorism?

They are regarded as non-state actors. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Strategic Model, what assumption is made about terrorists?

They see violence as their only option when other means are exhausted. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in Iran in 1953?

The return of the Shah to the throne Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest is a possible outcome of globalization regarding ethnic conflict?

It can exacerbate ethnic tensions due to increased connectivity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Khomeini's Iran from 1979 to 1989?

An authoritarian theocracy with suppressed freedoms Signup and view all the answers

In relation to the oil industry in Nigeria, what issue is highlighted?

The Christian population's control over oil creates wealth disparity with the Muslims. Signup and view all the answers

Who has been the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989?

Ayatollah Khamenei Signup and view all the answers

What do maximalists like Max Abrahms argue regarding terrorist motivations?

Solidarity and community are significant motivations for terrorism. Signup and view all the answers

What did the document emphasize as necessary for the survival of democracies?

Strengthening of democratic institutions and accountability Signup and view all the answers

Which countries are mentioned as having strained relationships with Iran?

The US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of poor governance in democracies mentioned in the document?

Normalization of corrupt practices Signup and view all the answers

What political party did Sun Yat Sen establish in response to the ruler's attempt to declare himself emperor?

Kuomintang Signup and view all the answers

During the protests against the Shah, which groups were primarily involved in the opposition?

Conservative Khomeini followers and the middle class Signup and view all the answers

What event led to the Chinese Communist Party gaining significant power after World War II?

Japanese occupation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major threats to democracies identified in the document?

Disillusionment among citizens due to governance issues Signup and view all the answers

What were the economic reforms in China during the 1990s characterized as?

Capitalist Communism Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of Mao Zedong's policies during his regime?

Land and social reforms causing millions of deaths Signup and view all the answers

Which social group primarily supported the Kuomintang during its rise to power in the 1920s?

Urban elites Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to widespread peasant rebellions in China during the early 20th century?

Decline of the agrarian feudal system Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989?

Corruption and economic reform Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Iranian revolution in 1979?

Emergence of a theocracy under Ayatollah Khomeini Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Non-Democratic Regimes (Authoritarian Regimes)

Authoritarianism is a non-democratic form of government
It is not citizen-focused, with only a few having power
Poverty and inequality can lead to authoritarianism
Economic control allows for population control
- People in poverty lack resources to resist
- High income inequality creates conditions where those in power can exploit this
Conflict, such as conquests, invasions, civil wars, and revolutions, can lead to authoritarianism
- External forces, or internal conflict, can destabilize a government leading to less power, and therefore more authoritarianism
- Those in power utilize a side in the conflict to gain popularity and power
Organized actors can challenge democratic regimes
- Internal or external, funded, or not
- Military coups, rebel groups are examples
Authoritarians can gain power via elections
- Manipulating elections to gain control, by appealing to the desire for change, or promising change
- These promises may not translate to change, but rather, the leader using the position to take control, or kill citizens who oppose the new government
Techniques to maintain power:
Techniques for maintaining power include using patronage, using carrots and sticks, etc
Producing economic benefits is used to gain control, or remain in control
Using strategies to endure control.

Authoritarian System Features

Repression (violence, limitations on access)
Scapegoating
Limits on resources (information, media)
Weak or failed states are more susceptible to authoritarianism
- Countries lacking resources (economic, security, social) are more vulnerable to control by an authoritarian leader
Cultural support
Religion can support authoritarian regimes
- Cultures that support higher authority figures are more prone to accepting these styles of government
Types of Authoritarianism:
Cooptation (getting people to support the regime)
Clientelism/patronage
Corporatism (grouping people based on group relations and allegiance to other groups - like religious groups)
Coercion (forceful means to control)
Cult of personality (creating an adored image of a leader)

Political Identity

Group identities can determine in-groups and out-groups
Identities are cultural, historic, and political
Identity can influence power dynamics in society

Types of Nationalisms

Irredentism: uniting people of a culture/ethnicity spread across different countries, or re-uniting different areas that were once part of the same territory
Secessionism: separating from an existing state.

Terrorism

Threat/use of violence and intimidation
- Used for political goals
- Often tied to religious or ethnic goals

Revolutions

Sudden, dramatic social/political change
Involve popular mobilization, and are often marked by civil disturbances and war.
Scientists use various types, when studying revolutions to classify them and better study their causes and effects

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics and dynamics of authoritarian regimes. It delves into the causes and consequences of non-democratic governance, including the impact of poverty, inequality, and conflict on political power. Test your understanding of how authoritarian leaders manipulate systems to gain and maintain control.