How Authoritarian Regimes Amplify Control in Times of a Crisis. #COVID Special #SplitOpinion

This podcast how Authoritarian Regimes Amplify control in times of crisis is intended to awaken the citizens across nations to look for signs of fascism and authoritarianism that might be creeping into their democracy under the garb of COVID-19 and restrictions being imposed.

What would authoritarian regimes do in case of a crisis?

Logically the first step for an authoritarian regime is to magnify the crisis and use that fear to take higher control. The higher the odds they create to the odds of spread and survival create a sense of fear, the more authority its people collectively are willing to give the regime the control key to protect them. The uncertainty and an unseen enemy are a big bonus.

The administration then takes control of all dissemination of news and information is provided, closing any alternative validation mechanisms covertly and overtly.’ The guidance (curbs) to media starts and information is fed to you as bulletins. The mainstream media conducts ‘panel’ discussions where fright and panic are perpetuated morphed as readiness and preparedness.

With the constant onslaught of crisis led news 24×7, over talks on all channels, print, television, and social media, the citizen’s mind is controlled to think of crisis and only the crisis with a yearning for directions from the government at every step. Anyone not following the direction is dealt with firmly with an iron hand, and this imagery is again publicist through the complaint media. There may even be police atrocities and judicial overreach, but those are given a stamp of approval with silence.

These actions create more fear, and the government warns of harsher punishments. And the cycle repeats. The complete media control, magnification of the crime, and suppression of civil liberties make such ‘disciplinary actions’ seem necessary for ‘larger good.’ More people support harsher penalties and fear retribution when they oppose such punishments.

By controlling and manipulating the fear psychosis of its citizens while building a feeling of unitedness to a cause of survival, together, the concoction is lethal. Any harsher punishments get more support from a society, which has learned to be obedient. Lavish praise for the Big Brother and reticence to atrocities the new normal, lest they are retributed by the society ort be turned into ‘moral police, and informers to authorities. It may even include neighbours and Resident Welfare Associations.

The administration tests its control often, with small actions, restrictions and the like that are validated with ‘call to action’ inviting voluntary citizen participation. The ‘nationalistic press’ asks leading questions like “are you okay with increased sanctions and curtailing freedoms in times of crisis like this” for the greater good. With affirmative answers, the increase in the intensity and duration of such authoritarianism continues the cycle. No one person or group questions the extended restrictions anymore. They will continue with more restrictions on the internet, movements, and they know people will support all these wholeheartedly for the ‘greater’ good. The Big Brother becomes their God.

Over time, consistently and carefully, the authoritarian regime alters thoughts of its people with repeated fudging of numbers and information passed on to its citizens. And the indoctrination is complete. So much so the citizens do not even see that regime as authoritarians while the ones outside the society can see the obvious. Examples include North Korea, Iraq, under Saddam, or Libya.

All authoritarian regimes use any crisis to amplify control. And they do it each time. Coronavirus is just another great opportunity not to let go.