• GarbageShoot [he/him]@hexbear.net
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    5
    ·
    1 year ago

    I believe they are suggesting that, if “authoritarian” means anything, that every large state that has ever existed was “authoritarian,” though some diffuse the authority through things like enclosure of the commons combined with strict property laws or other, older methods like religious law.

    • Alterecho@midwest.social
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      That’s fair- where the line of “authoritarianism” is drawn depends on historic, social, and economic context. I think modern colloquial usage is certainly shaped by western values, simply because America’s primary export is culture, and that’s what happens when you shout loud enough over enough time.