In Mass Dictatorship and the Modernist State, Roger Griffin emphasizes that, although dictatorships generally follow similar patterns, each one has its own distinct characteristics. He argues that categorizing them as similar types of dictatorship is problematic. Griffin differentiates between two ideal types: authoritarian and totalitarian mass dictatorships. An authoritarian dictatorship is, if one could say, the "less harmful" form, where leaders attempt to stabilize existing social orders without making significant changes. This approach contrasts sharply with totalitarian dictatorships, where the leaders aim to transform society entirely.
In Populism and Democracy in Africa, Makulilo explores the increasing centrality of populism in recent times. Makulilo argues that populism is often short-lived and tends to bring about significant corruption. Although populist leaders claim to be anti-political and critical of established institutions, they often end up relying on these very institutions for personal gain