Understanding what authoritarianism is | University of Amsterdam | Political Science Department
Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research・2 minutes read
The fall of the Berlin Wall signaled hopes for global democracy and information access, but challenges like China's rise, failed Arab Spring, and erosion of media freedom have emerged. Political scientists study authoritarian practices within democracies, transnational environments, and with corporate support to develop effective countermeasures.
Insights
- Political scientists emphasize the importance of recognizing authoritarian practices beyond traditional definitions, focusing on actions that undermine accountability, such as lying, secrecy, and silencing dissent. This broader perspective allows for a deeper understanding of authoritarianism's presence in democracies, transnational spaces, and corporate realms, enabling more effective responses to combat it.
- Despite the optimism surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall and the spread of democracy, recent global developments, including China's rise, failed movements like the Arab Spring, and shifts away from democracy in countries like Russia and Turkey, highlight challenges to democratic values. The internet, while increasing access to information, has also facilitated authoritarian tactics like fake news and digital surveillance, raising concerns about the erosion of freedoms and the rise of authoritarianism worldwide.
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Recent questions
What impact did the fall of the Berlin Wall have?
It symbolized the start of a free world.
How has China emerged in global politics?
China has risen as a powerful force.
What challenges do independent judiciaries face?
They are facing challenges.
How has the internet impacted access to information?
It has increased access to information.
What role do political scientists play in understanding authoritarianism?
They can help us understand authoritarian practices.
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Summary
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"Understanding and Countering Authoritarian Practices Worldwide"
- The fall of the Berlin Wall was seen as the start of a free world after the United States won the Cold War, with hopes of global democracy and information spreading through the internet. However, China has risen as a powerful force, the Arab Spring failed, and countries like Russia and Turkey have shifted away from democracy. Even in the West, media freedom is no longer guaranteed, and independent judiciaries are facing challenges. While the internet has increased access to information, it has also brought fake news and extensive digital surveillance, raising concerns about authoritarianism. Political scientists can help us understand authoritarianism, looking beyond elections to study authoritarian practices that can exist within democracies, involve multiple states, or corporate actors. These practices focus on undermining accountability through lying to the public, keeping secrets without justification, and silencing dissenting voices. By recognizing authoritarianism as a practice, we can comprehend how it operates in various settings, including democracies, transnational environments, and with corporate support, enabling effective countermeasures.
