Authoritarian regimes maintain control over their populations through various strategies, including repression, propaganda, and cooptation. These regimes often limit political freedoms and suppress dissent using state security forces, censorship, and surveillance. They cultivate an environment of fear, discouraging opposition through intimidation or imprisonment. Additionally, propaganda is employed to shape public perception, present a favorable image of the ruling party, and justify authoritarian rule. Cooptation of opposition figures or organizations can further diminish challenges to authority. Together, these tactics enable authoritarian regimes to sustain power despite public dissatisfaction or unrest.