In times of crisis—pandemics, wars, global instability—calls for “strong leaders” often resurface. Technocracy, expert governance, and efficiency without debate are praised. Are we witnessing a modern version of enlightened despotism?
In the history of political thought, few formulas are as paradoxical as enlightened despotism. This 18th-century model of government embodies a tension between monarchical absolutism and the rational ideals of the Enlightenment. It is the art of ruling with reason—yet without the people.
📖 What is Despotism?
According to the Royal Spanish Academy (Real Academia Española), despotism is defined as:
Abuse of superiority, power, or force in dealing with others. Absolute government, not limited by laws.
This dual definition reveals the essence of the concept: a concentration of power that, even if aimed at the common good, excludes checks and citizen participation in the definition of the public interest.
🧠 What Does “Enlightened” Mean?
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that championed reason, education, science, and social reform. Thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu envisioned more just societies guided by rational principles and universal rights.
🏛️ Enlightened Despotism: The war of ideas
Enlightened despotism was the response of certain European monarchs to Enlightenment ideas. They implemented reforms in education, economics, public health, and administration—but kept absolute power intact. It was not about democratizing, but modernizing from above.
Key figures include:
Charles III of Spain, who promoted urban, health, and educational reforms.
Frederick II of Prussia, patron of philosophers and military reformer.
Catherine II of Russia, advocate of legal codification and cultural expansion.
Joseph II of Austria, defender of religious tolerance and abolition of serfdom.
🗣️ Rousseau and Despotism: A Dissenting Voice
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, one of the most influential thinkers of the 18th century, distanced himself from enlightened despotism. He believed true liberty could not be granted from above but must arise from the general will. In his Confessions, a deeply personal work, he expresses his visceral rejection of absolute power:
For Rousseau, despotism—no matter how enlightened—is a form of slavery. His ideas inspired republican and revolutionary movements that sought to replace paternalistic monarchy with popular sovereignty.
🔮 A 21st-Century Enlightened Despotism?
In times of crisis—pandemics, wars, global instability—calls for “strong leaders” often resurface. Technocracy, expert governance, and efficiency without debate are praised. Are we witnessing a modern version of enlightened despotism?
History reminds us that progress without participation may be dazzling, but also fragile. As Rousseau warned, liberty is not a luxury—it is the foundation of human dignity.
📝 Invitation to Reflect
From Mirada al Mundo, I invite you to consider: Are we living through a new form of enlightened despotism, disguised as modernity? Who decides for us in the name of the common good?
Your voice matters. Enlightenment taught us to think; democracy calls us to act.
Versión en español: Mirada al Mundo
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Mirada al Mundo is a space for reflection where history, spirituality, diplomacy, and everyday life converge. Each post seeks to illuminate the present with the wisdom of the past, cultivate critical thinking, and celebrate the cultural richness that surrounds us.
This publication was developed with the support of Microsoft Copilot, an AI tool that assists in research, writing, and synthesis, always respecting the author’s voice and judgment.
Rogelio is a journalist, writer, thinker, and cultural bridge-builder. Through Mirada al Mundo, he weaves together history, spirituality, diplomacy, and everyday wisdom to offer reflections that inspire understanding and connection.
