Sub-totalitarianism is not a widely used or formally defined term in politi

"Sub-totalitarianism" is not a widely used or formally defined term in political science. Instead, the concept likely refers to a sub-type, form, or degree of the broader phenomenon of totalitarianism. Political scientists typically categorize regimes as either totalitarian or authoritarian, with the primary distinction being the degree of control the state exerts over public and private life. Totalitarianism vs. Authoritarianism Authoritarianism is characterized by a strong dictator or ruling body that holds political power and suppresses opposition, but generally allows some degree of social or cultural pluralism as long as it does not challenge the state's authority. Totalitarianism is an extreme form that attempts to assert total control over all aspects of society—public and private life, the economy, education, arts, and morality. It aims to eliminate all independent action and replace existing institutions with new ones wholly controlled by the state and its guiding ideology. Related Concepts and Sub-types While "sub-totalitarianism" is not standard terminology, related concepts that might align with the user's intent include: Post-totalitarianism: A classification used to describe regimes that have evolved away from classical totalitarianism but still retain many of its repressive structures and lack genuine pluralism. Inverted totalitarianism: A critical theory describing a system where corporate power and political control merge, using the formal mechanisms of democracy to achieve a totalitarian outcome, often through mass consumerism and surveillance capitalism. "Classical" totalitarianism: A term used to specifically refer to the 20th-century models of Nazi Germany and Stalinist Soviet Union, which are the primary historical examples of the concept. The term the user is asking about likely points to a regime that exhibits some, but not all, of the characteristics of a fully totalitarian state.