1. Disregard for democratic norms and values:
This includes a disregard or refusal to abide by established rules and laws, as well as the attempts to weaken or eliminate critical institutions such as courts and independent media outlets.
2. Control of information:
Authoritarian leaders often attempt to control what people know and how they think by limiting access to information, threatening journalists, blocking websites, controlling media content, and using propaganda.
3. Suppression of dissent:
Authoritarian leaders may use violence or restrict freedom of expression to suppress opposing views. They may also use tactics such as intimidation and censorship to prevent their opponents from speaking out against them.
4. Concentration of power:
Authoritarian leaders often concentrate power in the hands of a few individuals or their party, making it difficult for anyone else to challenge them. This can lead to corrupt practices and abuses of power with impunity.
5. Rigging elections:
Authoritarian leaders may try to maintain their grip on power by rigging elections or otherwise manipulating the electoral process to ensure desired outcomes.
6. Persecution of minorities:
Authoritarian leaders often target minority groups through policies such as discriminatory laws, forced assimilation, and violent repression. They may also attempt to undermine voter turnout among certain groups by creating barriers such as strict ID requirements or restricting access to voting locations.
7. Use of violence against opponents:
Authoritarian leaders may use violence against opposition parties, protesters, and dissidents to suppress dissent. This can range from threats of violence to actual physical attacks or even extrajudicial killings.
8. Elimination of political rivals:
Authoritarian leaders may seek to eliminate their political opponents by imprisoning or even killing them. This is often done to consolidate power and prevent any future challenges to their rule.
