Original scientific paper

A Theoretical Definition of Totalitarianism

Radule Knežević ; Director and Editor-in-Chief of "Politička kultura", a publishing-research institution in Zagreb

Abstract

Totalitarianism, which has been widely present in the modem political discourse, was first observed between the two world wars, defined only in the fifties and rediscovered in the mid seventies. As much as it still raises disputes as a theoretical conception, it represents a relevant and irreplaceable issue in political-science analysis. It is in this context that the author analyzes authenticity and theoretical definition of totalitarianism in the works of H. Arendt, R. Aron and C. Lefort from the one side, and in the works of C. Friedrich, Z. Brzezinski and F. Neumann on the other. The author particularly refers to the recent historical and political-science study of B. Bruneteau.

Keywords

totalitarian; totalitarianism; totalitarian essence; totalitarian syndrome; totalitarian dictatorship; ideocracy; one-party regime; merciless terror

Hrčak ID:

286453

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/286453

Publication date:

31.5.2002.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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