strong state power; iron fist; heavy-handed authority
Refers to the coercive power of a government or authority, often used in political or critical contexts. Implies forceful, sometimes oppressive, exercise of power.
The government exercised its strong authority to suppress the demonstrations.
The president is known for his heavy-handed methods.
The government wielded an iron fist against the opposition.
That country suppressed the protests with an iron fist.