Approaches to Authoritarian Politics

Undergraduate / Graduate

This seminar introduces students to the political science literature on authoritarian politics. Throughout the quarter we will situate authoritarianism in its broader historical context, engaging with scholarship on a diverse set of nondemocratic regimes, ranging from 20th-century fascisms to contemporary competitive authoritarianisms. Should we approach authoritarianism as a unique political regime or an experiment in political control? Why do some authoritarian regimes last for decades while others are quickly overthrown? What can authoritarianism teach us about propaganda, manipulation, and misinformation today? Students will engage with the writings of Hannah Arendt, Juan Linz, Barbara Geddes, Jennifer Gandhi, Jason Stanley, and Wendy Brown; alongside contemporary journalism, commentary, and fiction. Some prior coursework in social sciences is recommended, but not required.