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.
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September 17, 2024 -
Tatevik Hovhannisyan
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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
Alyaksandr Lukashenka, autocracy, democracy, Dictatorship, Ilham Aliyev, Vladimir Putin