How did inequalities in wealth and military power encourage authoritarian rule?

Inequalities in wealth and military power have historically undermined democratic stability and facilitated the rise of authoritarian regimes through several mechanisms:

• Economic Insecurity and Inequality: When citizens experience unexpected losses in economic security or social status, they often lose faith in democratic institutions and become susceptible to populist rhetoric promising quick fixes. High levels of inequality, particularly when combined with declining living standards, can lead to political turmoil and support for antidemocratic candidates.123
• Influence of the Wealthy: The wealthy can use their financial resources to exert disproportionate influence over the political process through campaign contributions, litigation, and media control. This resource advantage can hinder a government's ability to mitigate the vulnerabilities of insecure populations, further fueling public disenchantment.13
• Military Power: Military rule occurs when the military, as an organization, holds a preponderance of power, often through the control of the means of coercion. In some instances, such as the rise of "bureaucratic authoritarianism" in Latin America, military regimes seized power based on the conviction that democratically elected governments were incapable of managing economic crises or curbing inflation. These regimes often prioritized order and technocratic economic management over democratic processes, frequently employing repression to maintain control.456