A widespread belief that resistance was futile or too dangerous led most to disengage from political activism and remain passive bystanders.
Dependence on Regime Patronage or Benefits
Economic or social incentives, such as jobs, food, security, or status, created loyalty or tolerance toward the regime by aligning personal interests with regime stability.
Silent Endorsement or Indifference
Many accepted authoritarian rule passively by not opposing it, sometimes approving of nationalist goals or stability, while overlooking abuses.
Lack of access to alternative information
Control of media and censorship meant people lacked knowledge of the true extent of abuses, reducing motivation for resistance.
Fragmentation and Distrust in Society
Authoritarian tactics fostered distrust among communities, preventing unified opposition or solidarity with victims.
Co-optation of Local Elites and Influential Groups
Authoritarian regimes often secured passive support by co-opting elites or key groups, whose followers then passively accepted or supported the regime.
These recurrent patterns show the complex social and psychological dynamics by which authoritarianism is sustained largely through the passive, often fearful or uncertain, support or non-resistance of ordinary people.
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