Elites and institutional cohesion
Many regimes have been stable but authoritarian. In many cases, a strongly united elite contributes to their longevity. When ruling elites divide and compete, authoritarian regimes often collapse. While in itself such division does not necessarily lead to democracy, it is often a precondition. Through elections, democracy thereafter provides a framework for elite competition, provided that are fair and that elites accept the risks of losing power.
Elite unity is often fostered and sustained through various institutional mechanisms, benefits and patronage. Well-structured, tightly controlled and disciplined political parties can streamline benefits, impose sanctions and solidity elite networks that maintain unity. Ideology or strong programmatic visions can help to foster party loyalty. Regimes that have built up strong dominant parties often remain more stable. Armed forces can also produce elite unity when they are centralized and when hierarchical command is routinized and respected. Their dominance and relationship to the broader elite can be key un determining elite unity