The situation of the global coronavirus pandemic has once again actualized the problem of the effectiveness of democratic and authoritarian rule, the advantages and disadvantages of political, economic and cultural practices formed within their framework. The coronavirus epidemic is becoming a kind of existential challenge, the answer to which determines the effectiveness and competence of the authoritarian ruling entity. The purpose of the study: to consider the features of the manifestations of authoritarian rule in the context of a global pandemic. Scientific novelty: within the framework of the study, the concept of pandemic authoritarianism is conceptualized, its typological characteristics are revealed.