ABSTRACT
This chapter explores two concepts, democracy and authoritarianism, which have been essential to the organisation of political life, and individuals’ and collective groups’ interaction with politics and political objects. It examines the concept of, and explores some definitions and different models of democracy, and the concept and practice of democratisation. The chapter addresses criticisms of democracy and democratisation. It explores different forms of non-democratic rule including totalitarianism, authoritarianism, personalist, and hybrid regimes. The concept of ‘democracy’ originates from the Greek concept of Demos as ‘the people’ and, in this sense, translated readily into the idea that democracy means rule by the people. While classical, direct democracy appears not to be a viable form of political system for mass societies, some commentators have noted trends in political organisation and practice which they maintain might constitute some form of direct democracy. Such trends are related to the development of media cultures and the rise of the media-adept politician.
