The concept of "totalitarianism" literally means "whole, " "complete, " "whole." In each state where this political regime arose and developed, it had its own specifics. However, for all its versatility, the totalitarian regime has a fairly clear set of basic common features that reflect the essence of this form of government.
Instruction manual
1
Totalitarianism is almost always not legitimate. It never begins in a country after free and democratic elections. The establishment of totalitarianism usually occurs after coups, revolutions, putsch and usurpation of power.
2
Under a totalitarian regime, the people of the country are alienated from the government and authorities. The population cannot influence the state, as a result of which the government receives unlimited, uncontrolled powers for itself. This leads to a total bureaucratization of all processes and the collapse of civil society. The authorities begin to establish their own rules not only in the political spheres of society, but also in literature and art. There is a forced establishment of morality and morality accepted by the state.
3
Totalitarianism most often turns its citizens into state serfs, establishing their personal dependence on the state, forcing them to work for the good of the country for free. The dominant management methods are violence, terror and coercion.
4
Under a totalitarian regime, an atmosphere of general suspicion and mistrust is being forced in the country. Fraud is encouraged. At the state level, the image of a universal external or internal enemy is being formed. The concept that the state is constantly threatened is being introduced into the masses. Gradually, a totalitarian state begins to resemble a besieged camp, which, in turn, leads to the militarization of society and the economy.
5
In a totalitarian state, the legal system completely disappears. The application of existing legislative acts is no longer universal, the government begins to use the laws as it pleases.
6
Under a totalitarian regime, all power is concentrated in the hands of the ruling elite and its immediate environment. The principle of separation of powers is completely absent. The people have no right to take part in the life of the country, all the activities of the state apparatus are fanned by a halo of mystery.
7
In a totalitarian state, one political party dominates, which practically covers all spheres of life in the country. A characteristic feature of the totalitarian regime is the creation of a cult of personality of the leader. The deification of the ruler takes on hypertrophied proportions.
8
Under a totalitarian regime, politicization of all processes taking place in society takes place. Ideology permeates all spheres of people's life. The principle of "divide and conquer" is being implemented. Society is artificially divided into "friends" and "strangers." As a result, in a totalitarian state, one social group is constantly opposed to another.
9
In a totalitarian state, there is a complete disregard for individual human rights and freedoms. Any dissent is suppressed in a cruel way. The state itself is isolated from the outside world.
10
The economy of the totalitarian regime is based on the dominance of state ownership and operates in the regime of a planned system of farming. Widely applied methods of violence by the state in relation to private entrepreneurs.
