Authors: Nohlen
Summary: In approximately 550 words the entry offers a general definition, argues that types of dictatorship have varied a lot in history and that it is therefore difficult to categories them and distinguishes them from other forms of political structure, but states nevertheless central characteristics. The entry defines dictatorship as the rule of one person, a group, party or class which posses the monopoly of political power and is able to make use of this power uninhibited. Historical examples are diverse, from the Greek tyrannis to modern national socialism. In comparison with the liberal constitutional state, dictatorships generally share these common features: political power is monopolized, no opposition exists and is not allowed to exist (no pluralism), the judicial state is replaced by a police state which means rights such as habeas corpus or due process do not exist. In a addition totalitarian dictatorships are further characterized by the existence of a monopoly party, totalitarian control of society, and use of terror by the party unexpectedly with constitutes a threat to everybody. The entry ends with a discussion of origins of dictatorship for example as explained by Barrington Moore.