Physics
Political Survival of Authoritarian Regimes Through Distributional Co-optation
Quick fact
Across authoritarian regimes, one of the most reliable predictors of leader survival is not GDP growth or military strength, but the ability to maintain a network of supporters who receive exclusive economic benefits—sometimes as little as rice subsidies or government jobs—in exchange for loyalty.
Why this is interesting
Why do many dictators stay in power for decades without relying on constant terror? The surprising answer often lies not in fear, but in how they hand out money, jobs, and privileges.