Were economic policies successful in legitimising authoritarian regimes?

Yes, economic policies have often played a significant role in legitimising authoritarian regimes.

Economic policies have been a crucial tool for authoritarian regimes to consolidate their power and gain legitimacy. These policies often focus on rapid industrialisation, economic growth, and poverty reduction, which can lead to improved living standards and thus, public support. For instance, the economic policies of the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin and China under Mao Zedong were instrumental in their consolidation of power. Stalin's Five Year Plans and Mao's Great Leap Forward aimed at rapid industrialisation and modernisation, which, despite causing significant hardship and loss of life, were portrayed as necessary steps towards a prosperous future, thereby legitimising their rule.

Similarly, in Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler's economic policies, which focused on rearmament and public works projects, helped to reduce unemployment and revitalise the German economy. This economic recovery played a significant role in legitimising Hitler's regime, despite its authoritarian nature. The regime's ability to deliver economic stability and growth, particularly in the context of the Great Depression, was a key factor in its ability to maintain control and suppress opposition.

In more recent times, the economic policies of Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew and China under Deng Xiaoping have also been successful in legitimising their authoritarian regimes. Lee's focus on economic liberalisation and attracting foreign investment transformed Singapore into a global financial hub, while Deng's market-oriented reforms led to unprecedented economic growth in China. These economic successes have been used to justify their authoritarian rule, with the argument that such rapid development would not have been possible under a more democratic system.

However, it is important to note that the success of these economic policies in legitimising authoritarian regimes often depends on the specific context and circumstances. While economic growth and improved living standards can help to secure public support, they do not necessarily guarantee the regime's long-term stability or legitimacy, particularly if they are accompanied by widespread corruption, inequality, or human rights abuses. Moreover, the use of economic policies to legitimise authoritarian rule can also lead to a focus on short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability.