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The metamorphosis of Soviet dictatorships

In the past, authoritarian regimes such as the Soviet Union maintained power through the total control of information and propaganda. Today, the situation has changed significantly. Many of the new features of contemporary dictatorships have been imposed by the process of globalization and technological progress.

Throughout history, dictatorial rulers have been a consistent presence, evolving from tribal chieftains and monarchs to modern-day autocrats. Even in different settings, these leaders had one thing in common: pursuing and maintaining power by utilizing diverse tools to secure their dominance. In ancient times it was often sufficient for a ruler to claim divine endorsement, such as being the representative of a rain or fire god, and to eliminate any threat or expression of disobedience.

September 17, 2024 - Tatevik Hovhannisyan - Hot TopicsIssue 5 2024Magazine

The methods of controlling and subjugating people have transformed over time with the current dictators in some countries of the former Soviet Union, such as Vladimir Putin, have adopted more sophisticated tactics. Photo: Alexey Smyshlyaev / Shutterstock

Over time the methods of controlling and subjugating people have transformed and the current dictators in some countries of the former Soviet Union, such as Vladimir Putin, Alyaksandr Lukashenka or Ilham Aliyev, have adopted more sophisticated tactics, including mimicking democratic processes and portraying themselves as legitimate leaders to serve their bigger strategy: to disguise their dictatorial nature and maintain their grip on power.

From classical to contemporary dictatorships

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