Informational Autocracy: Authoritarianism Looks Different Now (ALL PARTS)

About this video

• Video Title: Informational Autocracy: Authoritarianism Looks Different Now (ALL PARTS)
• Channel: Brenna Perez
• Speakers: Brenna Perez
• Duration: 00:20:17

Overview

This video explores the concept of "informational autocracy," a modern form of authoritarianism that differs significantly from its 20th-century counterpart. The speaker, drawing from a 2019 research paper, explains how contemporary autocrats rely less on overt violence and more on manipulating information, controlling media, and employing sophisticated, often less visible, methods to maintain power. The video contrasts historical authoritarian tactics with current strategies, highlighting the shift towards information control, the use of seemingly democratic institutions for consolidation of power, and the role of an informed elite versus the general population.

Key takeaways

• Shift from Fear to Information Control: Unlike 20th-century authoritarianism, which relied on overt brutality and fear, modern informational autocracy prioritizes manipulating information and controlling media narratives.
• Subtle Repression: Instead of widespread violence, contemporary autocrats use less obvious tactics like short-term detentions, legal means (e.g., stripping citizenship, revoking rights), and economic pressure to control dissent.
• Mimicking Democracy: Many informational autocracies adopt the outward appearance of democracies, including holding elections and having parliaments, but manipulate these systems to consolidate power.
• The Role of the Informed Elite: A segment of the population is educated enough to recognize manipulation, making it crucial for autocrats to either co-opt this group or control media to prevent them from informing the general public.
• Competence vs. Censorship: While populations prefer competent leaders, autocrats who are incompetent may resort to censorship and information manipulation. However, overt censorship can backfire, especially in educated societies, leading to a preference for more subtle methods of control.