Editing Autocracy (section)

== Political activity ==
[[File:Nagodetov proces – obtoženci med branjem obtožnice.jpg|thumb|The [[Nagode Trial]], a 1947 show trial in Slovenia]]
Political repression is the primary method by which autocrats preserve the regime and prevent the loss of power.{{Sfn|Gerschewski|2023|p=3}} This repression may take place implicitly by coercing and intimidating potential opposition, or it may involve direct violence. Autocratic governments also engage in co-optation, in which influential figures are provided benefits by the regime in exchange for their support.{{Sfn|Mauk|2019|p=32}} Coercing these elites is usually more efficient for the autocrat than intimidating them through violence. Political parties are a common method of co-optation and coercion, as they provide a mechanism to control members of the government, initiate new members, and discourage a military coup. Autocratic governments controlled through a political party last longer on average than other autocratic governments.{{Sfn|Grzymala-Busse|Finkel|2022|loc=How Autocracies Are Sustained}}

Control over the public is maintained through [[indoctrination]] and [[propaganda]].{{Sfn|Mauk|2019|p=37}} Autocratic governments enjoy similar levels of public support to democratic governments, and a state's status as autocratic is not a significant indicator in whether it is supported by its citizens.{{Sfn|Mauk|2019|p=161}} Autocrats often appeal to the people by supporting a specific political, ethnic, or religious movement.{{Sfn|Gerschewski|2023|p=11}}

The different forms of autocratic government create significant variance in their foreign policy.{{Sfn|Kinne|2005|p=126}} Overall, autocratic governments are more likely to go to war than democratic governments, as citizens are not part of the [[selectorate]] to which autocrats are accountable.{{Sfn|Tangerås|2009|pp=100–101}}{{Sfn|Kinne|2005|p=119}} Totalitarian autocracies have historically engaged in [[militarism]] and [[expansionism]] after consolidating power, particularly fascist governments. This allows the autocracy to spread its state ideology, and the existence of foreign adversaries allows the autocrat to rally internal support.{{Sfn|Kneuer|2017}}

Autocratic regimes in the 21st century have departed from the historical precedent of direct rule in favor of institutions that resemble those of democratic governments. This may include controlled liberties for citizens such as the formation of [[opposition parties]] to participate in [[unfair election]]s.{{Sfn|Golosov|2021|p=1}}{{Sfn|Mauk|2019|p=6}} Elections provide several benefits to autocratic regimes, allowing for a venue to restrain or appease the opposition and creating a method to transfer power without violent conflict.{{Sfn|Golosov|2021|p=2}} Many autocrats also institute [[show trial]]s to carry out political repression rather than carrying out direct purges. This may be done to more publicly discourage future dissidents.{{Sfn|Shen-Bayh|2022|p=28}} Prior to this trend, autocratic elections rarely invited public participation. They were instead used by elites to choose a leader amongst themselves, such as in an [[electoral monarchy]]. The creation of a [[constitution]] is another common measure used by autocrats to stay in power; as they are able to draft the constitution unilaterally, it can be tailored to suit their rule.{{Sfn|Grzymala-Busse|Finkel|2022|loc=How Autocracies Are Sustained}}