Final answer:
A totalitarian government could be considered necessary by some citizens during extreme crises or severe instability, where decisive control might be viewed as beneficial to ensure order and safety. Yet, such regimes often prioritize power retention over individual freedoms and well-being, resulting in significant historical condemnation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under what circumstances would a totalitarian government be necessary or preferred by citizens is a nuanced question. Typically, a totalitarian government may be seen as necessary during intense crises, where rapid decision-making and stringent measures could be justified to restore order or security. Examples could include severe economic fallout, external threats, or other emergencies where the trade-off between individual freedoms and collective safety might sway some citizens to favor a strong authoritative rule. However, such circumstances are rare, and the costs in terms of human rights and long-term societal impacts are significant.
Totalitarian regimes have often arisen in times of upheaval, presenting themselves as the solution to disorder or the means to achieve a rapid modernization or ideological goal. Historical instances include the rise of fascism in Europe pre-World War II and Stalin's rule in the Soviet Union. Despite the justifications, these regimes tend to focus on maintaining power and control, often at the expense of civil liberties and prosperity, which typically leads to broad condemnation over the course of history.