Editing Autocracy (section)

==Origin and development==
=== Formation ===
The earliest autocracies, such as [[chiefdom]]s, formed where there was previously no centralized government.{{Sfn|Earle|1997|p=14}} The initial development of an autocracy is attributed to its efficiency over [[anarchy]], as it provides security and negates internal divisions. [[Mancur Olson]] introduced the term "stationary bandits" to describe the method of control associated with autocracy, as opposed to the "roaming bandits" that dominate anarchic society. Under this definition, autocrats as stationary bandits see long-term investment in the society that they exploit through taxation and other seizure of resources, as opposed to the bandits in stateless societies that have no incentive to improve society. This creates a [[Pareto efficiency]] in which both the autocrat and the subjects benefit over the alternative.{{Sfn|Grzymala-Busse|Finkel|2022|loc=How Autocracies Emerge}}

[[Douglass North]], John Joseph Wallis, and [[Barry R. Weingast]] describe autocracies as natural states that arise from this need to monopolize violence. In contrast to Olson, these scholars understand the early state not as a single ruler, but as an organization formed by many actors. They describe the process of autocratic state formation as a bargaining process among individuals with access to violence. For them, these individuals form a dominant coalition that grants each other privileges such as the access to resources. As violence reduces the [[economic rents]], members of the dominant coalition have incentives to cooperate and to avoid fighting. A limited access to privileges is necessary to avoid competition among the members of the dominant coalition, who then will credibly commit to cooperate and will form the state.{{Sfn|North|Wallis|Weingast|2008}}

There is great variance in the types of states that become autocratic. Neither a state's size, its military strength, its economic success, nor its cultural attributes significantly affect whether it is likely to be autocratic.{{Sfn|Burnell|2006|p=547}} Autocracy is more likely to form in heterogeneous populations, as there is greater inequality and less [[social cohesion]]. Autocracies formed under these conditions are often more volatile for the same reasons.{{Sfn|Grzymala-Busse|Finkel|2022|loc=How Autocracies Emerge}}

=== Stability and succession ===
[[File:Парад революционных войск на Красной площади.jpg|thumb|The [[Russian Revolution]] led to the replacement of the autocratic [[Russian Empire]] with the autocratic [[Soviet Union]].]]
Autocracies face challenges to their authority from several fronts, including the citizenry, political opposition, and internal disloyalty from elites.{{Sfn|Gerschewski|2023|p=17}} As autocrats must share their power with the state's elites to see their will carried out, these elites are the greatest threat to the autocrat.{{Sfn|Grzymala-Busse|Finkel|2022|loc=How Autocracies Are Sustained}} Most autocratic governments are overthrown by a [[coup]],{{Sfn|Gerschewski|2023|p=13}} and historically most have been succeeded by another autocratic government, though a trend toward democracy developed in 20th century Europe.{{Sfn|Tullock|1987|p=178}} These new governments are commonly a different type of autocracy or a weaker variant of the same type.{{Sfn|Burnell|2006|p=549}}

While popular support for revolution is often necessary to overthrow an autocratic government, most revolts are accompanied by internal support from elites who believe that it is no longer in their interest to support the autocrat.{{Sfn|Grzymala-Busse|Finkel|2022|loc=How Autocracies Die}} Overthrow of an autocratic government purely through popular revolt is virtually nonexistent throughout history,{{Sfn|Tullock|1987|p=20}} but popular support for democracy is a significant indicator of challenges to autocratic rule.{{Sfn|Mauk|2019|p=34}} Modernization and increased wealth are often associated with stronger support for democracy, though failing to provide these things also reduces support for the autocratic regime.{{Sfn|Mauk|2019|p=7}} Popular revolt is most likely to occur during periods of reform. Government reform can provide an impetus for stronger opposition, especially when it does not meet expectations, and it can weaken the centralization of power through poor implementation. When revolt appears likely, an autocrat may grant civil rights, redistribute wealth, or abdicate from power entirely to avoid the threat of violence.{{Sfn|Grzymala-Busse|Finkel|2022|loc=How Autocracies Die}}

Some autocracies use [[hereditary succession]] in which a set of rules determines who will be the next autocrat. Otherwise, a successor may be handpicked, either by the autocrat or by another governmental body. Pre-determined successors are incentivized to overthrow and replace the autocrat, creating a dilemma for autocrats wishing to choose a successor. The threat of overthrow is greater for appointed successors over hereditary successors, as hereditary successors are often younger and less influential.{{Sfn|Kurrild-Klitgaard|2000|pp=68–70}} Other autocracies have no appointed successor, and a power struggle will take place upon the death or removal of the autocrat.{{Sfn|Kurrild-Klitgaard|2000|p=66}} These methods of succession are a common distinction between monarchical rule and dictatorial rule; monarchies use an established system of succession such as hereditary succession, while dictatorships do not.{{Sfn|Tullock|1987|p=18}} Autocratic rule is most unstable during succession from one autocrat to another.{{Sfn|Gerschewski|2023|p=32}} Orders of succession allow for more peaceful transition of power, but it prevents meaningful vetting of successors for competence or fortitude.{{Sfn|Tullock|1987|p=18}} When rule passes between autocrats, the incoming autocrat often inherits an established bureaucracy. This bureaucracy facilitates the transfer of power, as the new ruler gains immediate control over the nation without having to conquer its people or win their popular support.{{Sfn|Grzymala-Busse|Finkel|2022|loc=How Autocracies Emerge}}

=== Legitimacy ===
Autocrats may claim that they have [[Legitimacy (political)|legitimacy]] under a legal framework, or they may exert influence purely through force.{{Sfn|Burnell|2006|p=546}} Opinion on whether an autocratic government is legitimate can vary, even among its own population.{{Sfn|Burnell|2006|p=548}} An autocracy's approach to legitimacy can be affected by recognition from other nations. Widely accepted autocratic governments are more able to convince their own populations of their legitimacy. Less widely accepted autocracies may rally internal support by attributing their lack of recognition to malevolent foreign efforts, such as [[American imperialism]] or [[Zionism]].{{Sfn|Burnell|2006|p=549}}

Historically, the most common claim of legitimacy is birthright in an autocracy that uses hereditary succession. Theocratic governments appeal to religion to justify their rule, arguing that religious leaders must also be political leaders.{{Sfn|Burnell|2006|p=548}} Other autocrats may use similar claims of divine authority to justify their rule, often in [[absolute monarchy]]. This includes the [[Mandate of Heaven]] in ancient China and the [[divine right of kings]] in 17th century England and France.{{Sfn|Murphy|2014}} When an autocratic government has a state ideology, this may be used to justify the autocrat's rule. This is most common in [[communist]] or [[ethnonationalist]] governments. Autocracies with unfair elections will cite election results to prove that the autocrat has a mandate to rule.{{Sfn|Burnell|2006|p=548}} Some autocracies will use practical considerations to legitimise their rule, arguing that they are necessary to provide basic needs to the population.{{Sfn|Burnell|2006|p=549}}