Why Is the Concept of Totalitarianism So Difficult to Define

question 14

Essay

Why is the concept of totalitarianism so difficult to define, and why have some scholars suggested that it be abandoned as part of comparative politics? Even considering the difficulty, what state or states (past or present) could be reliably described as totalitarian, and why?

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Definitions:

Racial Community

A group of people identified or identifying themselves based on shared racial or ethnic background and experiences.

Ethnic Community

A group of people sharing a common ethnic background, cultural heritage, language, or religion, often forming a community within a larger society.

Asian American Buddhists

Members of the Asian American community who practice Buddhism, reflecting a diversity of traditions and cultural backgrounds.

Asian American Christians

Individuals of Asian descent in the United States who adhere to various branches of Christianity, navigating the interplay of cultural and religious identities.