Authoritarian regime.

Often used as a catch-all label for African governments, flattening political complexity and applying a harsher standard than is often used elsewhere. When used loosely it reduces countries to a stereotype instead of explaining the specific system, restriction, or abuse at play.

"Authoritarian regime" is a specific political classification, not a catch-all label for governments with governance challenges. The Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index places countries on a spectrum — from full democracies to flawed democracies, hybrid regimes, and authoritarian regimes — so the term should only be used when a country actually meets that threshold.

1. 01.eiu.com