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russotto · 04-26-2004, 01:18 PM

Well, we've seen

1) Dictatorship -- strong man, direct rule. Tends to be rather harsh for the average Joe, very unstable when dictator dies. Power struggles often lead to violence.

2) Oligarchy -- rule by a few. Each usually has his own group of followers. Still tends to be harsh for the average Joe. Power struggles lead to more limited violence USUALLY, with a realignment of positions on the committee. However, a split within the committee leads to open warfare.

Most authoritarian regimes are some form of oligarchy, whether secular or religious.

3) Hierarchical government (e.g. feudal monarchy). Power devolves from some supreme authority, down to regional and local authorities. How harsh it is depends on where in the hierarchy you are, and most people are on the bottom. Much more stable than dictatorship or oligarchy. Weaknesses at the upper levels lead to violence at the lower levels.

Any other forms you'd propose as superior?

04-26-2004, 01:18 PM	#2
russotto Professor Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 1,788	Well, we've seen 1) Dictatorship -- strong man, direct rule. Tends to be rather harsh for the average Joe, very unstable when dictator dies. Power struggles often lead to violence. 2) Oligarchy -- rule by a few. Each usually has his own group of followers. Still tends to be harsh for the average Joe. Power struggles lead to more limited violence USUALLY, with a realignment of positions on the committee. However, a split within the committee leads to open warfare. Most authoritarian regimes are some form of oligarchy, whether secular or religious. 3) Hierarchical government (e.g. feudal monarchy). Power devolves from some supreme authority, down to regional and local authorities. How harsh it is depends on where in the hierarchy you are, and most people are on the bottom. Much more stable than dictatorship or oligarchy. Weaknesses at the upper levels lead to violence at the lower levels. Any other forms you'd propose as superior?