Opposition within Single-Party States

Historical Context Fear of Future Chaos Single-party states are characterized as crisis states – they emerge because many members of the public are prepared to accept extreme solutions to the problems within their society. Single-party states do not emerge in times of peace, prosperity or optimism in a society. Russia- extreme suffering brought China – invasion, conquest, foreign on by WWI (defeats, famine, intervention, civil war resulted in unemployment, political chaos) defeat of Chiang Kai-Shek and rise of brought fall of tsar, rise of Lenin Mao Zedong Fear of economic collapse, political revolution, or social anarchy can induce many to opt for radical solutions, as long as order and stability are maintained. Fear of Future Chaos

Elimination of the Opposition The failure of the existing government to respond effectively to problems in society or a particular crisis at hand leaves the door open to a regime change or takeover. The main ways in which a government in power may be unable to withstand the challenge of a single-party movement may include: weak or unpopular policies rigid/insensitive attitude toward certain population groups failure to embrace reform/refusal to let go of tradition underestimating strength/popularity of opponent

Elimination of the Opposition China: - Chiang Kai-Shek refused to let go of the traditional structure in which landowners held the most power - failed to oppose Japan weakened his leadership - underestimated strength of opposition (and the fact that the Chinese military was unprepared for guerilla warfare) - failed to develop a program that could gain majority support Cuba: - Fulgencio Batista failed to notice the political shift that occurred in Cuba – Castro’s program was gaining support from traditional middle class Batista supporters - lost support due to his repressive tactics – couldn’t maintain power

Establishing and Maintaining Power The real challenge is not necessarily acquiring power, but maintaining power. The crisis which allowed the party to come to power is most likely still occurring, and the public will expect immediate results. The most enthusiastic of supporters will have unrealistic expectations and be the most easily disillusioned.

Establishing and Maintaining Power The successful leader will effectively consolidate power by turning critics into supporters. This can be done by: 1 Carrying out campaign promises (job creation, economic stability, land reform, nationalization of industry, elimination of opposition) 2 Significant use of media/communication/education/art (propaganda needs to emphasize value of new regime) 3 Supporting efforts at nationalism, rearmament, industrial expansion, territorial acquisition, new welfare and social programs

Repression When a new government takes power from an existing regime (usually through violent means) there will be considerable opposition. Firm action (often violent and illegal) must be taken to identify and eliminate all sources of opposition (both inside and outside the leader’s own party). Groups that may be a source of opposition: Political parties Police force Rivals for leadership Social classes Businessmen Dissident factions Trade unions Local/state gov. Philosophical opponents Religious groups Media organizations Within Party Outside the Party

Repression Russia China Cuba Dealing with opposition may take illegal forms, and while effective, they alone are not enough to keep a single-party state in power. The regime must have popular support. Russia Stalin’s purge of internal opposition (Great Terror) China Cultural Revolution organized by Mao Cuba Castro’s purge of internal opposition immediately following the Cuban Revolution