Contribution to the Theory of Dictatorship: Economic Development and Political Change

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between economic development and political change, with a focus on the theory of dictatorship. It argues that economic development can both contribute to and undermine dictatorship, and that the relationship between the two is complex and multifaceted.

The Dual State: A Contribution to the Theory of Dictatorship

by Ernst Fraenkel

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	901 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	338 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The article begins by discussing the different ways in which economic development can contribute to dictatorship. One way is by providing the resources that dictators need to stay in power, such as a large military and a loyal bureaucracy. Another way is by creating social and economic conditions that make people more likely to support dictatorship, such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment.

The article then discusses the different ways in which economic development can undermine dictatorship. One way is by creating a middle class that is independent of the state and has an interest in political change. Another way is by increasing people's access to information and education, which can make them more critical of the government and more likely to demand change.

The article concludes by arguing that the relationship between economic development and political change is complex and multifaceted. There is no simple answer to the question of whether economic development will lead to democracy or dictatorship. The outcome will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific policies that are implemented, the level of economic inequality, and the political culture of the country.

The relationship between economic development and political change has been a subject of debate for centuries. Some scholars have argued that economic development is a necessary condition for democracy, while others have argued that it can also lead to dictatorship.

In this article, I will explore the relationship between economic development and dictatorship. I will argue that economic development can both contribute to and undermine dictatorship, and that the relationship between the two is complex and multifaceted.

Economic Development and the Rise of Dictatorship

Economic development can contribute to the rise of dictatorship in a number of ways. First, economic development can provide the resources that dictators need to stay in power, such as a large military and a loyal bureaucracy. Second, economic development can create social and economic conditions that make people more likely to support dictatorship, such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment.

One of the most important resources that dictators need to stay in power is a large military. A strong military can deter foreign invasion and suppress internal dissent. Economic development can provide the resources that dictators need to build and maintain a large military. For example, the Soviet Union used its vast oil reserves to fund a powerful military that helped to keep the regime in power for over 70 years.

Another important resource that dictators need is a loyal bureaucracy. A loyal bureaucracy can help the dictator to implement his policies and control the population. Economic development can provide the resources that dictators need to create and maintain a loyal bureaucracy. For example, the Chinese government has used its vast wealth to create a large and well-paid bureaucracy that helps to keep the regime in power.

In addition to providing the resources that dictators need to stay in power, economic development can also create social and economic conditions that make people more likely to support dictatorship. For example, poverty, inequality, and unemployment can all lead to social unrest and political instability. Dictators can exploit these conditions to gain support by promising to restore order and provide economic security.

For example, Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany in the early 1930s by exploiting the economic crisis that followed the First World War. Hitler promised to restore Germany to its former glory and to provide jobs for the unemployed. Many Germans were desperate for change, and they were willing to support Hitler even though he was a dictator.

Economic Development and the Decline of Dictatorship

While economic development can contribute to the rise of dictatorship, it can also lead to the decline of dictatorship. One way is by creating a middle class that is independent of the state and has an interest in political change. Another way is by increasing people's access to information and education, which can make them more critical of the government and more likely to demand change.

The rise of a middle class is often seen as a sign of economic development. A middle class is typically composed of people who have a certain level of education and income. They are often employed in the private sector and are not dependent on the state for their livelihood. As the middle class grows, it can become a powerful force for political change.

For example, the middle class played a key role in the overthrow of the Soviet Union in 1991. The Soviet middle class was increasingly frustrated with the government's economic policies and its lack of political freedom. The middle class led a series of protests that eventually led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Another way in which economic development can lead to the decline of dictatorship is by increasing people's access to information and education. As people become more educated and informed, they become more critical of the government and more likely to demand change. This is especially true in the age of the internet, which has made it easier for people to access information and communicate with each other.

For example, the internet played a key role in the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter allowed activists to organize protests and spread information about the government's abuses. The internet also helped to mobilize the middle class, which played a key role in the uprisings.

The relationship between economic development and political change is complex and multifaceted. There is no simple answer to the question of whether economic development will lead to democracy or dictatorship. The outcome will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific policies that are implemented, the level of economic inequality, and the political culture of the country.

However, it is clear that economic development can both contribute to and undermine dictatorship. Economic development can provide the resources that dictators need to stay in power, but it can also create the conditions that lead to their downfall. The outcome will depend on the specific circumstances of each country.

The Dual State: A Contribution to the Theory of Dictatorship

by Ernst Fraenkel

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	901 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	338 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE