"Authoritarianism has increased globally, autocracies now outnumber democracies for the first time in 20 years" (Economist Intelligence Unit 2024). In this course we will discuss why that is, how it has happened, who are these leaders, what makes them tick? There is an amazing linking up between many countries from all over the world including Russia, Africa, South America, Libya, China. In Russia corruption is an example of the way autocratic leaders benefit from their rule and so locks in their 'siloviki' (literally "people of force"). This course is for those who love to debate why this is, what is meant by "the victims of sanctions must co-operate" (Mnangagwa, the leader of Zimbabwe in 2023 as he sat in a helicopter given to him by Putin).

A Special Club: Autocratic Leaders

Course Description

Across the world, political power is shifting. 

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in authoritarian leadership and a decline in democratic freedoms, with more than half of the global population now living under some form of autocratic rule. 

This thought-provoking course explores why this shift is happening, how these systems operate, and what it means for the future of global politics.

Through discussion and analysis, you’ll examine how modern autocratic leaders maintain power, form alliances and influence both their own populations and the international stage. 

From Russia and China to parts of Africa and South America, the course looks at the interconnected nature of these regimes, the role of technology and information control, and the ways corruption and power structures reinforce their authority. 

This is a course for those who are curious, questioning and keen to better understand the changing world around them.

Course Structure

The course is delivered through a combination of guided discussion, case studies and analysis of contemporary global events. 

It begins by exploring the rise of authoritarianism in a modern context, examining global trends and the factors contributing to the shift away from democratic systems. 

Students will consider how technology, media control and economic influence shape the way autocratic regimes function today.

As the course progresses, participants will examine specific leaders and regions, exploring what has shaped these individuals and how their leadership styles operate in practice. 

The course also investigates the relationships between nations, including alliances between more and less powerful regimes, and how these connections influence global politics. 

Throughout, there is a strong emphasis on open discussion, critical thinking and engaging with real-world examples to deepen understanding.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the global rise of authoritarian and autocratic systems 
• Identify key characteristics of autocratic leadership 
• Recognise how technology and media are used to control information 
• Explore the role of corruption and power structures in maintaining authority 
• Analyse relationships and alliances between autocratic nations 
• Examine how individual leaders are shaped by their history and context 
• Discuss contemporary global political changes with greater confidence 
• Develop critical thinking skills when interpreting political events and narratives.

Your tutor is Fiona Bradford, BA (Dip App Psych) MPsych(Work and Organisational)

Fiona has been with WEA since 2025

Fiona is now retired after an extended career as a psychologist. Her BA was a double major in Psychology and History. During her working life she continued her reading about modern European history specifically WWI and WW2 as a hobby. In the course of these studies she read a three volume history of Kaiser Wilhelm written by John CJ Rohl in which the author described the letters that were exchanged between Kaiser Wilhelm II and Tsar Nicolas II who were cousins, both were the grandchildren of Queen Victoria. These letters which were signed by both of them as between ‘Nicky' and ‘Willy’. This led to Fiona's interest in the role Russia played in both wars and the cost to this country in lives but also the link between WWI and the Russian Revolution. In turn this brought her to read Russian history including her focus on Putin as he has become so focused on conquering Ukraine despite the ongoing enormous costs to Russia and its peoples.