authoritarians of any side deprecate liberal values (ie, individual liberty) & treat the individual as an expendable means to (rather than the nonexpendable ends of) their illiberal agenda
authoritarians of any side deprecate liberal values (ie, individual liberty) & treat the individual as an expendable means to (rather than the nonexpendable ends of) their illiberal agenda
Meant a right critical for democracy: public oratory & debate of policy to argue policy, change minds, & gather support. Important since the ancient Greeks.
Authoritarians don’t need popular support once in power. They usually meet criticism with force.
First of all: thanks for the comprehensive reply. 👌
What if the autocrat wants advice on how to lead the country? I’m sure every wise king in the past looked for some sort of counsel, right? And they need some form of support, or at least the approval by big chunks of the population, else who’s putting his ideas into action and who’s tacitly accepting of it?
They could, but it’s unnecessary to sustain autocratic government. Whereas an autocracy isn’t accountable to governed citizens, a liberal democracy by design is.
Authority doesn’t require popular support, rule of law, or the recognition of individual liberties. Ideology (such as that the autocrat is divine or has an exclusive right to rule for whatever reason) & a faithful establishment with enough power to compel obedience can displace the need for popular support. When an autocrat’s interests conflict with the populace’s interests or an individual’s freedom, power decides who prevails. Only revolt or overthrow by a stronger power holds an autocrat accountable.
With a liberal democracy, authority is in a government that is accountable to citizens & that rules by laws limited by recognized individual liberties (ie, rule of law & limited government).