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Competitive authoritarianism, informational authoritarianism, and the development of dictatorship: a case study of Belarus

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  • Anthony J. Evans

    (ESCP Business School)

Abstract

This article explores the dynamics of modern authoritarian regimes, using Belarus under Alexander Lukashenko as a case study. By examining Belarus’s transition from a “competitive authoritarian” regime to a “hegemonic authoritarian” one from 1994 to 1996 and its further shift from a spin dictatorship to a fear dictatorship in 2020, the study offers insights into the multifaceted nature of dictatorships. The main findings are that using elections as a means to classify regimes does not fully explain their effect on authoritarian vulnerability and that different classifications of dictatorship, such as spin versus fear, are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony J. Evans, 2024. "Competitive authoritarianism, informational authoritarianism, and the development of dictatorship: a case study of Belarus," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 198(3), pages 343-360, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:pubcho:v:198:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s11127-023-01132-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11127-023-01132-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Authoritarianism; Belarus; Competitive authoritarianism; Electoral authoritarianism; Informational authoritarianism; Spin dictatorship;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • N14 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Europe: 1913-
    • P20 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - General

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