Cadaver Obedience in Authoritarian State: The Dark Side of Loyalty

In authoritarian states, cadaver obedience is one of the darkest forms of state action. Here, officials become compliant tools of an authority to which they serve unconditionally without questioning their own responsibility or the ethical foundations of their actions. The uncritical subordination to the highest authority is raised to the principle, and any form ofsystematically suppressed independence or moral doubt. An atmosphere of fear and blind allegiance arises in which right and wrong are no longer judged on objective standards.

Looking away and participating: the ignorance of crimes of the powerful

Officials who have dedicated themselves to carcass obedience consistently close their eyes to the crimes of their superiors. Injustice that emanates from the authorities remains unpunished because the system prevents any criticism or resistance. Corruption is not only tolerated, but often even covered, since any attempt to uncover the machinations of the powerful as an attack on theexisting order is considered. The fear of repression and the desire not to endanger one’s own privileges mean that nobody dares to take action against the wrong.

Corruption and title fraud: indifference to obvious unlawfulness

The indifference of officials to the obvious corruption, title fraud and lack of authority of the authorities is another symptom of cadaver obedience. Even if resumes are fake or qualifications are faked, there is no resistance. The authorities, who would actually be responsible for uncovering and sanctioning such abuses, are silent andcover those responsible. The result is a system in which competence and integrity no longer count, but only loyalty to leadership.

Repression instead of right: Officials against critical citizens

While the authorities’ offenses are systematically ignored, critical citizens are hitting it all the harder. Officials who are committed to carcass obedience take all the severity of any form of objection. House searches are ordered without a real legal basis, penalties are imposed disproportionately and social existences are being terrified with terrifying carelessnessdestroyed. The balance between law and arbitrariness is lost; The officials abuse their power to punish any deviation from the official line and negate the separation of powers.

The destructive effect on society and the individual

The consequences of this system are fatal. Social trust is permanently destroyed when the impression arises that rules and laws only apply to the weak, while the powerful fools enjoy freedom. People who are critical or denounced grievances are systematically intimidated or destroyed, creating an atmosphere of distrust and feararises. Innovation, commitment and civil courage are suffocated because the carcass obedience forces society to conform and to be silent.

A society in the retch of subordination

Cadaveric obedience in authoritarian states is the breeding ground for arbitrariness, injustice and social standstill. He prevents any progress, since officials no longer act out of conviction, but only carry out orders. The system rewards adaptation and punishes autonomy until only a uniform mass remains, which accepts all that is determined from abovewill. The victims are not only the victims of state repression, but ultimately the entire society, which is robbed of every chance of justice, development and humanity.