Perspectives on Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism from Literature, Philosophy, Law, and History

The articles collected in this volume focus on authoritarianism and totalitarianism viewed through the lens of various disciplines including literature, law, philosophy and sociology. Spanning different historical periods and cultural backgrounds, the authors examine the circumstances that allow authoritarian and totalitarian regimes to gain power over democracy, including pressures from within the system, such as the use and manipulation of information and narratives, as well as external crises. These contri-butions represent the multifaceted nature of power and its wide effects on communities, especially when wielded by authoritarian or totalitarian states. The consequences of such governance on culture and society are also in focus, particularly with regards to moral responsibility toward human interests and the role of truth. Using cautionary tales from history and a discussion of problematic policies and narratives in the present time, these contributions may also be seen as warnings to present and future genera-tions to steer away from authoritarian and totalitarian temptations in order to preserve the ideals of equality, freedom and respect for all.