A totalitarian regime (Totalitarianism) is a concept of government, which is characterized by total control over absolutely all the processes taking place in the country. The concept of a totalitarian regime was finally formed in political theory after the rule of Benito Mussolini in Fascist Italy, and Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany. Until that time, totalitarian regimes existed as a phenomenon, but their full definition was formed already in the 1900s.
What is TOTALITARIAN POLITICAL REGIME and TOTALITARIANISM – definition in simple words
Simple, clear answer: A totalitarian regime or Totalitarianism is a form of government in which the government controls every aspect of people’s lives.
People living under this type of regime generally also support it out of propaganda, ideology, or fear. Citizens are usually afraid to criticize the government, and feign loyalty to the authorities in order to avoid attention to their person. And those who dare to openly oppose the regime usually disappear or go to prison, and their family members are under pressure and surveillance by the security services.
From this, we can conclude that totalitarianism is the opposite of democracy. This is a type of government, where people are deprived of most of the rights and freedoms. In most cases, a totalitarian regime has many similarities with dictatorship and authoritarianism. Typically, a totalitarian regime is closely linked to domestic state terrorism.
Features of a totalitarian regime.
The characteristic features of a totalitarian political regime may vary in each individual case. This may depend on many factors, but there are some basic symptoms or signs that indicate the presence of such a regime in the country.
Common features of totalitarian regimes:
- Dictatorship (there is no change of government);
- There is actually one ruling party in power;
- Society is instilled with an external or internal threat. There is an atmosphere of fear in the country and society;
- The country has severe censorship in the media;
- Mass propaganda in the media, government and social structures;
- Any criticism of the state or authorities is prohibited;
- The country has compulsory military service;
- Society is subject to militarization;
- Secret government services are active;
- Nationalist parties and ideologies are actively developing in the country;
- Chauvinistic moods can be observed in society;
- The government relies on specific religious or ideological organizations;
- Control over the reproduction of the population is carried out, in one direction or another, depending on the needs.
- The rights and freedoms of citizens can be canceled at the will of the authorities;
- There is a strict and developed system of prisons and labor camps (GULAG is an example).
Totalitarian regime of government / Totalitarianism – examples.
- An example of a totalitarian regime, No. 1.
Soviet Union under the rule of Joseph Stalin. After the end of the civil war, Stalin eliminated all objectionable people with a different point of view and set about building a totalitarian regime in a communist society. - An example of a totalitarian regime, No. 2.
Fascist Italy under Benito Mussolini. Immediately after seizing power in 1922, Mussolini proclaimed himself the leader of the nation and began to rule in a totalitarian manner. - An example of a totalitarian regime, No. 3.
Nazi Germany. Adolf Hitler used totalitarianism as a way to achieve the obedience of the nation. - An example of a totalitarian regime, No. 4.
North Korea. Perhaps this is one of the most obvious examples of modern totalitarianism and oligarchy. The country has been ruled by one family for a long period of time. There are no rights and freedoms of citizens in the country. - An example of a totalitarian regime, No. 5.
China. The People’s Republic of China during the reign of Mao Zedong (1949-1976) in many ways had the concept of a totalitarian regime. - An example of a totalitarian regime, No. 6.
The Russian Federation under the rule of Vladimir Putin has all the signs of a totalitarian regime and corresponds to almost all the features of this regime.
