Emergence of authoritarian states

Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: economic factors; social division; impact of war; weakness of political system

Methods used to establish authoritarian states: persuasion and coercion; the role of leaders; ideology; the use of force; propaganda

Consolidation and maintenance of power

Use of legal methods; use of force; charismatic leadership; dissemination of propaganda

Nature, extent and treatment of opposition

The impact of the success and/or failure of foreign policy on the maintenance of power

Aims and results of policies

Aims and impact of domestic economic, political, cultural and social policies

The impact of policies on women and minorities

Authoritarian control and the extent to which it was achieved