In summary: Authoritarianism vs. Totalitarianism

Sevda Özbay

Authoritarianism is a single man or minority government. Authoritarian regimes are any management which the right of decision-making is given to a privileged person or group. In these regimes, governments are not responsible to the people they rule. (Taylor, 2016)

Totalitarianism is a form of government that tries to control everything from politics to individual ideas. This system is a dictatorship that ruled the citizens' lives not only politically but also on special issues. Opposition and political competition are not allowed in this process. In these administrations, politics is often accompanied by an ideology. (Taylor, 2016) For example, Germany of Adolf Hitler and Italy of Benito Mussolini

Main difference between these two regimes is the field of power it wants: authoritarian regimes wants all political power (just political) on the other hand totalitarian regimes want power over every area of life (political, social, economic, individual.) In authoritarian regimes, there are some free social and economic institutes (out of government’s control) but totalitarian regimes control all institutions: Education, religion, art and science, moral and even reproductive rights are determined by totalitarian governments.

Freedoms and rights are limited in authoritarian regimes but we cannot talk about them in totalitarian regimes.

There is no political participation and representation in totalitarian regimes but if the government approves we can see in authoritarian regimes.

Totalitarian leaders are are charismatic leaders, because brainwashed people follow them; but in the authotitarian regime, people are ruled by fear.

*Taylor, S. L. (2016). 30 Saniyede Siyaset. İstanbul: caretta Yayıncılık.