Research Handbook on Authoritarianism

Book excerpt: This Research Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the latest knowledge on authoritarian regimes. Combining quantitative research and in-depth case studies, it not only provides novel insights into past and current dictatorships but also forecasts potential new developments in authoritarian politics. Through detailed analyses of diverse authoritarian regimes, including those in China, Egypt, North Korea, Syria, Turkmenistan, and Uganda, this Research Handbook examines authoritarian performance, credibility, and legitimacy. Arguing that the key to understanding authoritarian politics is the politics of survival, chapters provide detailed analysis of central actors, institutions, and strategies to illustrate the impact of efforts to retain power on wider political outcomes. With sections dedicated to exploring common issues for authoritarianism researchers and showcasing cutting-edge developments in the field, contributors provide insight into important questions on how authoritarian regimes continue to survive today. Presenting detailed explorations of classic and contemporary trends in authoritarianism, this Research Handbook will be an essential resource for students and scholars of authoritarianism, international relations, and comparative politics. It will also be an invaluable guide for policymakers seeking to understand modern authoritarianism.