Tyrannophobia
28 Pages Posted: 15 Sep 2009 Last revised: 1 Sep 2010
Date Written: September 15, 2009
Abstract
Tyrannophobia - the fear of dictatorship - is a dominant theme in American political discourse. Yet dictatorship has never existed in the United States or even been likely.The hypothesis that tyrannophobia itself has prevented dictatorship from occurring is implausible; better evidence exists for alternative hypotheses. We conclude that tyrannophobia is an irrational political attitude that has interfered with, and continues to interfere with, needed institutional reform.
Keywords: executive power, democracy, dictatorship
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Posner, Eric A. and Vermeule, Adrian, Tyrannophobia (September 15, 2009). U of Chicago, Public Law Working Paper No. 276, Harvard Public Law Working Paper No. 09-44, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1473858 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1473858
Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?
Feedback
Feedback to SSRN
If you need immediate assistance, call 877-SSRNHelp (877 777 6435) in the United States, or +1 212 448 2500 outside of the United States, 8:30AM to 6:00PM U.S. Eastern, Monday - Friday.