Editing Autocracy (section)

=== 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}}