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Many countries include 'Democratic' or 'People's' in their names, even though they are not democratic and do not serve their people. Examples: Democratic People's Republic of Korea Lao People's Democratic Republic People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Democratic Republic of the Congo And German Democratic Republic (East Side) in 1949–1990. None of these states are democratic, power and wealth are concentrated in the hands of a small ruling elite. Who are they fooling with these names?
Because authoritarian states aren't going to call themselves authoritarian. They're going to use the softest-sounding name they can to make themselves appear benevolent.
For example, from a historical perspective, Joseph Stalin isn't generally considered a fascist, even though there are significant similarities between his regime and fascist regimes in terms of authoritarianism, political repression, state control, and cult of personality. Stalin was a self-proclaimed socialist who nonetheless created one of the most authoritarian states in human history.
There's a whole other issue with objectively horrible people being allowed to self-identify as whatever they claim to be. From a historical perspective, that's absolutely asinine. You determine what a regime or ideology is by examining its actions, institutions, and consequences, not simply by accepting the label its leaders give themselves. I'm sure Joseph Stalin considered himself a benevolent leader. History says otherwise.
Same reason it’s called “United States” and we all fucking hate each other.
People just like to have a little fun sometimes.
For the same reason Nazi get many has socialism in theirs. It’s called doublespeak. It’s like when Congress passed the “patriot” act to void our constitutional rights. Nothing patriotic about that
to keep the peon population docile
As opposed to countries without 'democratic' or 'people's' in their name that are democratic and do serve their people...?
to appear to be on the "left" when they are in the exact oppsoite.
same reason why Trump's admin team always does photo ops with 10 flags behind them; over compensation for the lack of what they claim to have alot of.
I can't speak for all nations but the Democratic Republic of the Congo was an actual democratic republic when it was named.
But it was too socialist for the US, who intervened with military force, executed the elected leader and installed a puppet dictator that was loyal to US corporate interests.
Looking it up now, Congo has removed Democratic from its name but still calls itself a Republic. A unitary executive appoints ministers, and a prime minister leads parliament. It does have multi-party elections, but, to quote Wikipedia, opposition parties are allowed, but are widely considered to have no chance of gaining power.
The current leader, Sassou Nguesso, is trying to change constitutional law so he can run another term.
Looking it up now, Congo has removed Democratic from its name but still calls itself a Republic.
There's two countries called congo, the democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo. Both still exist today, there was no name change.
Actually, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo are two separate countries that border each other.
Edit: Just to add to the confusion, there used to be more Republic of the Congos.
same reason america espouses freedom but then has 304830483048 laws that restrict every possible thing you can do other than go to work.
Its true when you see some legislation with freedom in the title you know they are about to take someones freedoms away.
Boy wait until you find out the "Patriot Act" was actually about the government spying on you. It's like politics 101 to give things names that aren't at all related, but sound good.
Why does trump say he's "the peace president"? Because they are all evil fucking liars trying to confuse dumb dumbs.
Similar reason why they were called National Socialists.
They had nothing to do with socialism.
