Totalitarian regimes control every aspect of citizens’ lives through propaganda, strict media control, and limited cultural expression. Citizens are expected to serve the state and have limited personal freedoms. Totalitarianism emerged in the 20th century and is distinct from authoritarianism due to its focus on society as a whole. While oppressive, totalitarian regimes can be highly efficient in economic and military endeavors.
A totalitarian regime is a government that controls every aspect of people’s lives. People living under this type of regime generally also support it, sometimes almost sectarianly, thanks to extensive propaganda missions that are meant to promote a positive view of the government. Citizens are also usually afraid to criticize the government, so they may be outspoken supporters to avoid closer scrutiny.
The concept of totalitarian rule in political theory arose in the 20th century, and while there are a few examples of such governments predating the 20th century, some of the most distinctive examples, such as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, date back to the 20th. Communist governments such as those of China and North Korea are also sometimes accused of being totalitarian.
Many people note that there are some distinct similarities between totalitarian and authoritarian governments. The main feature that separates these two types of government is that a totalitarian government embraces the whole of society, while an authoritarian government focuses solely on governance. While there may be some overlap, to be considered totalitarian, government and society must be closely intertwined, such as in countries where there is only one political party and everyone is a member.
Several features can be seen in all totalitarian regimes. The first is strict government control over the media, with the media typically used as propaganda organs. Cultural, political and artistic expression among the population is also usually severely restricted, as is access to outside news sources. Government critics tend to disappear and their family members may come under close scrutiny.
These governments also cultivate a sense of deep devotion to the state, encouraging citizens to regard it almost as a parent. People must apply before changing residence, taking on new jobs, or getting married. They can also be expected to serve the state in some way, ranging from the military to a labor camp, and the government has control over access to education, reproductive freedom, health care, and a host of other aspects of life that many people consider personal.
Many people feel that totalitarian regimes are a very poor form of government because they can be quite oppressive. They are also highly efficient, however, thanks to the extreme level of control, and this is one reason such regimes are able to mount massive economic and military attacks on their neighbors.
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