Many governments rule through force rather than by consent.
Legal channels for opposition do not exist and popular protest is suppressed. These governments rely upon powerful security forces to keep the population in check. Repressive measures may include censorship, arbitrary arrest, detention without trial, torture, disappearances and political killings. The most repressive governments tend to be eager customers for military equipment, as weaponry is used to enhance the prestige and effectiveness of the military and security forces. Scarce foreign exchange is used for arms imports at the expense of social and development needs.