authoritarianism
n.a style of leadership where one person or a small group has all the power and makes all the rules. People in this system usually do not have a choice in how they are governed.
n.a political system or leadership style characterized by absolute power and control, typically by a single leader or a small group. It involves the suppression of opposition and the lack of individual freedoms.
“The country moved toward authoritarianism after the new leader took power.”
“Critics of the regime argue that its strict laws are a sign of growing authoritarianism and a lack of democratic accountability.”
“While the constitution guarantees certain civil liberties, the ruling party's increasing control over the judiciary has led many observers to label the state as an authoritarianism.”
“Saifi, 32, opposes the Comoran government, which critics accuse of authoritarianism, and says he "fears returning" to his home country where he would be "under a death threat".”
From authoritarian + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.