What is the main difference between totalitarianism and authoritarianism?

Answer 1

First of all, it must be noted that totalitarianism is a form of authoritarianism, but that it is only one flavor of authoritarianism. What primarily differentiates totalitarianism from other forms of authoritarianism, such as Dictatorship, absolute monarchy, military junta, or theocracy, is the pervasiveness of the leader's control over all aspects of society. The totalitarian leader will almost always have a secret police and government bureaus that spy on people. All organizations, including civil society and religion, are government-run or shut down upon discovery. Such complete control does not usually exist in non-totalitarian authoritarian states.