Meaning: The quote "Totalitarianism is feudalism in the twelfth century sense of the word" by Barbara Amiel, a Canadian journalist, succinctly captures the essence of totalitarianism and draws a parallel with the feudal system of the twelfth century. In order to fully understand the quote, it is necessary to explore the concepts of totalitarianism and feudalism and examine the similarities and differences between the two systems.

Totalitarianism is a political system characterized by the absolute control of the state over every aspect of public and private life. In a totalitarian regime, the ruling party or leader exercises complete authority and seeks to regulate and control all aspects of society, including the economy, culture, and individual behavior. Totalitarian governments often employ propaganda, censorship, and state terror to maintain power and suppress dissent. Examples of totalitarian regimes include Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler, the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, and North Korea under the Kim dynasty.

On the other hand, feudalism was a social and economic system that dominated medieval Europe, particularly during the eleventh to thirteenth centuries. Feudalism was characterized by a hierarchical structure in which land was the primary source of wealth and power. At the top of the feudal hierarchy was the king or monarch, who granted land to nobles and lords in exchange for military service and loyalty. The nobles, in turn, granted land to vassals, who were obligated to provide military support and other services. At the bottom of the feudal pyramid were the peasants, who worked the land in exchange for protection and a share of the harvest.

When examining the quote by Barbara Amiel, it becomes evident that she is drawing a parallel between the all-encompassing control of totalitarianism and the hierarchical structure of feudalism. The comparison suggests that, like the feudal system, totalitarianism imposes a rigid and hierarchical structure on society, with the ruling party or leader at the top exercising absolute control and authority. In both systems, there is a concentration of power in the hands of a few, and the general population is subject to the whims and dictates of those in power.

Moreover, the reference to the "twelfth century sense of the word" in the quote further emphasizes the historical context of feudalism, underscoring the idea that totalitarianism shares similarities with the hierarchical and autocratic nature of medieval feudal societies. The twelfth century was a period marked by the consolidation of feudal power, the rise of powerful monarchs, and the subjugation of the peasantry, making it an apt comparison for the authoritarian control exerted by totalitarian regimes.

In conclusion, Barbara Amiel's quote provides a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of totalitarianism by drawing a parallel with the feudal system of the twelfth century. By comparing the all-encompassing control of totalitarian regimes to the hierarchical structure of feudal societies, the quote highlights the concentration of power and authority in both systems. This comparison sheds light on the enduring nature of authoritarianism throughout history and serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of unchecked power and control.