Analysis of Montesquieu’s Views on Despotism

AVCU S. A., MUBARAK Y.

TURAN-SAM Uluslararası Bilimsel Hakemli Dergisi, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

The aim of this study was to examine Despotism most especially in the views of Montesquieu; an 18th Century French Philosopher. On the one hand, some scholars have argued that, he was the one who developed and introduced the term Despotism into Political Studies while on the other hand, others have disputed this claim. However, even though it is being asserted by some that he did not developed the term, but it is widely agreed that he was the one that developed the concept. The main goal is to find out how Despotism as a Political Ideology has helped to shape the study and understanding of Political Ideology. The study offers better comprehension and also, attempted to scrutinise the characteristics of this system of governance. It is assumed by many that, it is an ideology which is perceived with negative thoughts because it negatively affects the ethical fabric of societies. The pedals used by such leaders, governments or regimes to consolidate powers, stretches to an extent that they are seen to be above the law. Some Despots even consider themselves to be the law. This attribute has made many to get confused to an extent that they are unable to distinguish Dictatorial regimes from Despotic regimes. However, there is a clear political difference between the two. The protagonist of ideology, the execution of mind-control, the sway of media, the initiation of the misconception of solidarity, the hunt for opposition, arbitrary rule, etc. are all traits of Despotism.