Abstract

The article proposes the theoretical framework for analysis of procedural factors of stability of authoritarian regimes. Following the conceptual provisions of the J. Gerschewski about three key strategies autocrat (legitimation, repression and co-optation), highlighted in the main functions that perform these strategies in relation to the three main subjects of the interaction of an authoritarian leader. It is pointed out that the interaction of an authoritarian leader linked to the three main political actors: the electorate, insiders and outsiders. The key procedural factor of stability of the authoritarian regime is the ability of a political leader to form a coalition loyal to conquer, including the main segments of the influential elite (insiders). Sustainability also the weakness of the elite segment depends on authoritarianism loyalty of major social groups (the electorate), the marginalization of the opposition and who are not included in the ruling coalition (outsiders). Achieving these objectives relate to the possibility of the leader to hold three major strategies: cooptation, repression and legitimation, respecting the proportionality and timeliness of their application. The article concludes that sustainability of authoritarian regimes depends on the capabilities of authoritarian leader to use the above strategies for consolidation and stabilization of their power. At the same time, the efficiency of authoritarianism is not only connected with power resources and capabilities repressive suppression of opponents, but no less with the ability to use the whole range of strategies in adequate proportions. Abuse in the use of only one of the three possible strategies leads to the risk of destabilizing the regime.

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