Overview
After a couple of weeks of thinking about state capacity and democracies, we are now beginning our deep dive into non-democracies and the many ways rulers use to stay in power. Throughout the readings and this week's case studies (Zimbabwe, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, you encountered a number of different "technologies of rule" including indiscriminate violence (terror) as well as cults of personality, coercion, and co-optation.
*Which methods of maintaining power do you think are the most effective for leaders of non-democratic regimes? Why?
*Can you think of examples of these "technologies of rule" applied in other countries we may consider democracies? If so, what can this tell us about the goals and values of particular leaders, parties, and governments?
REMINDER
To receive FULL CREDIT for each weekly discussion board, students must do the following:
- Read posts by other students
- Post 1 substantial response to the question (250-
350 words) - Post 2 substantial responses to other students (minimum of 150 words per response)
- Cite or refer to appropriate sources (authors/articles, etc.) to support points
- Cite any Al tools used
NOTE: If no one in your group has posted yet and you will be offline/unavailable due to work/travel, you may post a SECOND substantial comment INSTEAD of responding to another student. In this case, full credit will be awarded IF your second post EITHER 1) argues the opposite position of your first post OR 2) highlights a different issue than your first post.