Gender and Authoritarianism
My essay on the "toxic triad" of homophobia, hypermasculinity, misogyny.
One of the things that separates Strongmen from many other studies of authoritarianism is my attention to gender. I have a chapter on masculinity and the ways it interacts with corruption, violence, and propaganda. I observe that women are as much the strongman’s enemy as journalists and the political opposition, and that homophobia is a constant throughout the history of authoritarianism. Even leaders who initially give women more rights, such as Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, persecute LGBTQ+ individuals.
Here is a long essay about authoritarian gender politics and the “toxic triad” of hypermasculinity, misogyny, and homophobia, which has characterized almost every regime across the political spectrum. It first appeared in 2023 so many of you may not have read it.
Dr. Ben-Ghiat, I read Strongmen and found it riveting. Your research and analysis are stunning and well-supported by facts and excellent analysis. I noticed that many or most of the strongmen had reigns of 10 or 20 years. Are we going to be able to topple the regime’s momentum sooner or will it be later? I ask because I’m 71. I’m still able to fight for my beliefs.
Why do some men and even some women feel threatened by women who express indignation, anger, and assertiveness and how do we address that in raising children (and husbands)? How best to express our anger in a productive manner?