Totalitarianism is a form of authoritarianism that indoctrinates the population with a specific ideology and pursues a long-term vision for the transformation of the entire society.

Initially, the term was derogatory, but, just like with suffragette or impressionism, it was reappropriated. Benito Mussolini proudly called his regime the “Totalitarian State,” and after some historical events had occurred, it became derogatory again.

Unlike traditional dictatorships, totalitarianism appears in industrial societies, with urban populations and developed mass media. Full control of media and educational institutes is required to enforce the ideology onto the people.

Another interesting feature of totalitarian regimes is closed borders. People who are considered by the State to be a valuable resource tend to avoid having the ideology enforced upon them and may try to flee the country.