ABSTRACT
The concept of genocide hardly covers the ruthless murder carried out by totalitarian states. A new concept is needed that covers the extent and variety of megamurders by the mortacracies. Turning specifically to the literature in English on totalitarian states, there has been virtually no interest in determining the nature and extent of their democide. Absolute Power's cost to human life is simply not of scholarly concern. Intentionally man-made famine or disease is included under democide, and may constitute genocide, politicide, or mass murder. Democracies themselves are responsible for some of the democide. Moreover, the secret services of democracies may also carry on subversive activities in other states, support deadly coups, and actually encourage or support rebel or military forces that are involved in democidal activities. The upshot is that even in democracies, Power can take root in particular institutions, remain unchecked and undisciplined, hide its activities, and murder en masse.
