TOTALITARIANISM Meaning and
Definition
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Totalitarianism is a political ideology and system of governance characterized by absolute centralized control over all aspects of public and private life. It is an authoritarian form of government where power is held by a single individual, political party, or ruling elite, who exercise complete authority without any limitations or checks on their power. Totalitarian regimes are known for their extensive use of state propaganda, censorship, and repression to maintain control and suppress opposition.
In a totalitarian state, the ruling authority seeks to control every aspect of society, including the economy, culture, education, media, religion, and individual behavior. This control is achieved through various means, such as widespread surveillance, secret police forces, and the elimination of civil liberties and political dissent. The government often employs indoctrination and manipulation techniques to shape the beliefs and values of its citizens, fostering loyalty and obedience to the ruling authority.
Totalitarianism is characterized by the suppression of individual freedoms and the subjugation of the collective will to the interests of the ruling authority. It exhibits centralized power, extensive state control, propaganda, coercive enforcement mechanisms, and often leads to the erosion of human rights and the deterioration of democratic institutions. Totalitarianism represents a stark contrast to democracy, which prioritizes individual freedoms, civil liberties, and checks and balances on governmental power. History has witnessed notable instances of totalitarian regimes, such as Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler and the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, where the extreme concentration of power resulted in grave human rights abuses, mass surveillance, and widespread oppression.
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Etymology of TOTALITARIANISM
The word "totalitarianism" comes from the combination of two words: "total" and "itarianism".
The term "total" originates from the Latin word "totalis", meaning "whole" or "complete". "Total" is often used to describe something that encompasses everything, leaving nothing out or excluding anything.
The suffix "-itarianism" is derived from the Latin suffix "-arius", meaning "connected with" or "belonging to". The word "-itarianism" denotes a system, doctrine, or ideology related to a particular concept.
Therefore, "totalitarianism" can be understood as a political system or ideology that seeks complete control or domination over every aspect of people's lives, leaving no room for individual liberties or freedoms.
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