The Springboard to Dictatorship and the Arab Spring in the Context of Additive and Subtractive Globalization: A Psychological Assessment

Dictatorship, not democracy, has been the historical norm for human societies, and our psychological characteristics have evolved largely within the context of social relations in dictatorships. Even contemporary democracies still have within them elements that could influence a return to dictatorship. Although there is agreement that the Arab Spring reflects a world in transition, it is still not clear if “Additive Globalization,” which strengthens democracy and expands choices, will emerge as a greater force than “Subtractive Globalization,” which ultimately diminishes choices and nourishes dictatorships. Numerous revolutions have toppled dictators without making the psychological changes necessary to remove the “springboard” that a potential dictator uses to leap to power, resulting in the replacement of one dictator with another. The “springboard to dictatorship” model highlights the need for citizens to acquire the basic psychological skills to participate in and sustain a democracy. Social programs are necessary to develop these skills in post-revolution societies; otherwise the springboard to dictatorship will once again enable the rise of another potential dictator.