Authoritarianism is a political system characterized by strong central government control and limited political freedoms for citizens. In authoritarian regimes, power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group of elites, who often maintain control through censorship, propaganda, and suppression of opposition. Authoritarian regimes typically do not allow free and fair elections, limit civil liberties, and restrict the media and freedom of expression. Research in this area often focuses on understanding the motivations and methods of authoritarian leaders, the effects of authoritarian rule on society, and strategies for promoting democracy and human rights in authoritarian regimes.