Authoritarianism vs Totalitarianism
Authoritarianism is a form of rule, and the outlook supporting it, that concentrates power in a leader or small group and puts order and obedience above political freedom.
- Order, stability and security should take priority over political freedom.
- Strong leadership is more effective than divided, competitive politics.
- Opposition and dissent should be limited when they threaten national unity or stability.
Totalitarianism is a form of rule in which a single party and leader seek total control over the state, society and private life through an official ideology and terror.
- The state, party or movement has authority over every area of life.
- An official ideology claims to explain history and define the goals of society.
- A single mass party led by one leader should hold a monopoly of power.
- Authoritarianism: petals and stars
- Totalitarianism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Markets70 points apart
Authoritarianism: Planned (mild). Totalitarianism: Planned (strong).
- Religion65 points apart
Authoritarianism: Religious (mild). Totalitarianism: Secular (moderate).
- Ownership40 points apart
Authoritarianism: Private (mild). Totalitarianism: Public (mild).
- Structure40 points apart
Authoritarianism: Central (moderate). Totalitarianism: Central (strong).
★ Where they are closest
- Culture · 5 apart
- Security · 10 apart
- Authority · 10 apart
Axis by axis
Totalitarianism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipMild: Private45%55%PublicPrivate
- MarketsMild: Planned55%45%PlannedFree
- WelfareBalanced48%52%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityStrong: Strong leader5%95%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityStrong: Order5%95%LibertyOrder
- StructureModerate: Central20%80%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityModerate: Traditional25%75%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionMild: Religious40%60%SecularReligious
- TechnologyMild: Caution45%55%EmbraceCaution
- CultureModerate: National identity20%80%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeModerate: Protected33%67%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyModerate: Strength20%80%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Authoritarianism or Totalitarianism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Authoritarianism or Totalitarianism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Authoritarianism vs Totalitarianism
What is the difference between Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism?
Authoritarianism is a form of rule, and the outlook supporting it, that concentrates power in a leader or small group and puts order and obedience above political freedom. Totalitarianism is a form of rule in which a single party and leader seek total control over the state, society and private life through an official ideology and terror. On the 12 axes they differ most on markets, religion, ownership.
What do Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism have in common?
Their positions are closest on culture, security, authority. Overall their profiles are a 81% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Authoritarianism or Totalitarianism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.