The 20th century has been the century of political repression. More people have died at the hands of their own governments than have died from all the wars fought in the last 100 years combined. Those governments that have inflicted the greatest suffering on their citizens are what we call tyrannies. While democracy is on the march, many tyrannies still exist. Modern tyrannies, past and present, will be the subject of this course.

A tyranny is a form of government that abuses power. It is one that systematically operates without regard to constitutional laws, that uses coercion as a first resort, and that instills tremendous fear in its subjects. The course begins with definitions of tyranny, and continues by tracing the origins of these political systems, going back to the time of the creation of nation states. Moving swiftly forward, the course then considers some modern causes of tyranny, including war, nationalism, and ideology. Next, it considers various formations of tyranny from fascism to communism to right wing military rule. Leaders and countries to be considered are Hitler’s Germany, Pol Pot’s Cambodia, Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, Pinochet’s Chile, Videla’s Argentina, and Duvalier’s Haiti. Lectures and discussions will focus on how these tyrants came to power, how they remained there, what contributed to their successes, and why some met with defeat.

There will be a first exam, midterm and final, comprised of objective (multiple choice) questions and essays. The first two exams will each count for 30 percent of your grade, and the final will count for 40%. Only the final will be cumulative. Final grades for the course will be calculated by taking the numerical score for each exam, multiplying by its percentage weight, and then adding the three sums together. No one will be able to do well on the exams without attending all lectures and doing the readings.

There is a main text and a binder of materials required for this course. The book is called Modern Tyrants, by Daniel Chirot, and is available in the UCR bookstore. The binder of materials is available at the printing and reprographics center on campus.

Attendance is expected at all class sessions. If for some reason you cannot attend because of medical or family reasons, please let me know either in advance or upon your return. Lateness is not allowed; you must make every effort to get to class on time. Office hours are regularly maintained and posted. If for any reason you cannot see me at the designated hours, please come up after class and I will gladly arrange an alternative time.

WEEK ONE

What is Tyranny?
R. Boesche, "Conclusion, Thinking About Tyranny," 455-472
Chirot, 1-9

WEEKS TWO AND THREE

First Exam- end of week four

Who Comes to Power and How? Variations in Tyrannical Regimes

A. Totalitarian Tyrants

B. Military Tyrants 

1. General- R. Pinkney, "Right Wing Military Government: The Setting;" R. Pinkney, "Soldiers as Political Animals"
2. Chile under Pinochet- A. Valenzuela, "The War"
3. The Argentine Proceso-Chirot, 267-288; Guest, "Monica Disappears"

C. Individual Tyrants 1. Duvalier (Haiti)-Chirot, 341-365

Second exam- beginning week eight

How do They Rule?

WEEKS NINE AND TEN

Why do Tyrannies End and Democracies Begin?