The Role of Mediocre Employees in Supporting Authoritarian Regimes

Influence of Mediocre Employees

Recent research explores the impact of average employees on maintaining authoritarian power. This research reveals how leaders leverage low- and mid-level workers to solidify control.

Examples from Russia, Iran, and Hungary

In Russia, leaders like Vladimir V. Putin rely on oligarchs. In Iran, the Revolutionary Guards play a vital role. Hungary’s Viktor Orban uses judges and political allies to sustain his rule.

The Role of Mid-Level Workers

The focus has often been on elites. However, new studies show that mediocre workers contribute significantly. These individuals, driven by career concerns, help leaders with the necessary groundwork.

Insights from Argentina’s Dirty War

Data from Argentina’s Dirty War offers a fresh perspective. Career pressures, such as stalled growth or minor promotions, can lead employees to compromise ethics. This challenges previous assumptions of extremism as the main driver.

A Book’s Findings on Career-Pressured Individuals

The book, “Making a Career in Dictatorship,” by Adam Scharpf and Christian Glassel delves into this topic. It likens the phenomenon to a business tactic employed by authoritarian regimes.

The Path to Power

The research indicates that potential autocrats focus on recruiting frustrated workers. By targeting those under career pressure, they secure loyalty without extreme measures.