When the Party’s Over—Societal Consequences of Authoritarianism

This final chapter considers the psychological cost of living under authoritarianism. We discuss the predictable institutional consequences of autocratic leadership. Additionally, what are the social psychological consequences for the citizens—particularly scapegoated outgroups—living under an authoritarian regime. We discuss both instances of individualized PTSD and collective trauma, as well as follower guilt. The issue of how societies desist from living under authoritarianism is discussed. Issues of the legal intervention with perpetrators of authoritarian abuse and the limits of psychoeducational programs to change culture are also noted. Finally, the implications of what are the emerging challenges of authoritarianism in the twenty-first century are noted.