Economic Perspective on Authoritarian Regimes: Dictators as Unexpected Protagonists

According to research from the London Business School, people living in zip codes with a history of economic hardship were more likely to support authoritarian qualities in their local leaders. This finding is consistent with a three-decade study analyzing the values and opinions of people around the world. That study shows that when a group feels economic uncertainty, they are not only more likely to favor more authoritarian leaders, but they are also more willing to suspend democratic norms and excuse unethical behavior.

What is interesting about these studies is that the correlation holds true regardless of political ideology. As long as they were experiencing economic hardship, people who considered themselves liberal or conservative were equally likely to increase their support for authoritarian-type leaders. Researchers believe that economic and social instability triggers a feeling of powerlessness that makes people look to strong men as a source of safety and strength. Authoritarian leaders are usually pretty good at giving people the impression that they are going to fight on their behalf.

"Growth is not the only thing that matters in the world". You can easily say that if you are from a developed country to begin with. Sometimes, especially in the early stages of development, a nation's economic progress requires an autocratic rule. They only have time to reflect on other issues, like the importance of democracy, once the basic requirements of society have been satisfied. It is more likely that economic growth will lead to uprisings and democracy, not the other way around.

By Aiko Putri Fauzi | Ilmu Ekonomi 2022 | Staff Divisi Kajian Kanopi FEB UI 2023

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