The Reverse Cargo Cult: Why Authoritarian Governments Lie to Their People

Konstantin Sonin

No 20316, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: Why did the Soviet Union organize regular elections, national and local, with one candidate and reported 99.9% support with 99.9% turnout? Were the Soviet citizens so stupid that they did not understand that they have no say in choosing their government? The Reverse Cargo Cult metaphor explains why dictators tell their citizens lies that citizens know to be lies: a verifiable lie told by a politician changes citizens' perceptions of politicians and reduces their willingness to replace them. The model explains the mechanics of authoritarian propaganda that puts much emphasis on persuading citizens how bad foreign politicians are.

JEL-codes: D85 L82 P00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-05
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