Final answer:
Totalitarian states are characterized by governments that control nearly all aspects of life, such as North Korea today and historical examples like Imperialist Japan and Czarist Russia. Totalitarian states often have a central authority with a cult of personality, control over the economy, and state terrorism. In contrast, Nordic countries are generous welfare states with democratic freedoms, highlighting differences in government systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples of totalitarian states can be seen throughout history, where governments exert extreme control over almost all aspects of citizens' lives. A modern example of such a state is North Korea, where the government has tight control over information, public expression, and demonstrates a willingness to use severe measures against those who oppose the regime. Other historical examples include Imperialist Japan and the rule of Czar Nicholas I of Russia, where the state had a significant hold over the economy, society, and the personal lives of individuals. These regimes often feature a strong central authority, a personality cult around the leader, and a comprehensive regulation of free discussion and criticism, employment of mass surveillance, and the application of state terrorism.
In contrast to totalitarian regimes, Nordic countries such as Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, are considered some of the most generous welfare states, where governments provide extensive social services and protect individual freedoms, showcasing the differences in how government systems operate in various countries.
Fascism is an ideology that produced totalitarian political systems, especially during the interwar years. For instance, Benito Mussolini's Italy portrayed strong nationalism, a rejection of democratic principles, and established a social hierarchy. Along similar lines, Joseph Stalin's collectivization program in the Soviet Union led to the death of millions in Ukraine, exemplifying how a totalitarian government can drastically infringe upon personal freedoms and the right to life itself.