How did the use of scapegoats help maintain authoritarian control?

Scapegoats were used to divert attention from the regime's failures and to unify the population against a common enemy.

In authoritarian regimes, the use of scapegoats is a common tactic to maintain control and power. This strategy involves blaming a person or group for the problems that the regime itself is unable to solve. By directing the public's anger and frustration towards these scapegoats, the regime can divert attention away from its own failures and shortcomings. This not only helps to preserve the image of the regime as competent and effective, but also serves to suppress dissent and opposition.

The use of scapegoats also serves to unify the population against a common enemy. This can be particularly effective in times of crisis or instability, when the regime can rally the population around a shared cause or threat. This sense of unity and common purpose can help to strengthen the regime's control and legitimacy, as it presents itself as the protector of the people against the scapegoated enemy.

Moreover, scapegoating can be used to justify the regime's authoritarian measures. By portraying the scapegoats as a serious threat to the nation, the regime can argue that strong, authoritarian measures are necessary to protect the people and the nation. This can help to legitimise the regime's use of repression and control, and to discourage opposition and resistance.

Historically, many authoritarian regimes have used scapegoats to maintain control. For example, the Nazi regime in Germany blamed the Jews for the country's economic problems and used this as a justification for their persecution. Similarly, during the Cultural Revolution in China, Mao Zedong blamed the 'bourgeoisie' and 'counter-revolutionaries' for the country's problems, and used this as a pretext for a campaign of mass repression and control.

In conclusion, the use of scapegoats is a powerful tool for maintaining authoritarian control. By diverting attention away from the regime's failures, unifying the population against a common enemy, and justifying authoritarian measures, scapegoating can help to preserve the regime's power and control.