Quote:
Originally posted by sgtclub
You wouldn't describe Syria, Lebannon and Iran as totatlitarian?
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I think it's hard to imagine a totalitarian regime in a non-industrialized society, although China during the Cultural Revolution might fit the bill. In all three of those countries -- and particularly Lebanon -- I don't think the government has extended its control over the rest of society to a degree sufficient to call it totalitarian. Iran has a close relationship between religious and government authorities. But Iran also has considerable divisions right now within its government. I don't know of any reason to call Lebanon totalitarian. Syria's government is ruthless and strong, but I've never understood that it has co-opted other institutions, etc.
Perhaps I'm seeing a distinction between totalitarian regimes and other forms of dictatorships that you're not seeing?
