The Rise of Populist Authoritarians, The Financial Times
Are we headed for Autocracy? Is our Constitutional Republic in danger?
According to many of the experts – historians, political scientists, journalists and others – we haven’t lost our democracy yet, but we’re facing a ‘serious threat‘ (ProtectDemocracy.org)
Some of the drivers of this change are increased economic inequality caused by globalization and reduced human connection (exacerbated by excessive time spent online). In addition, diversity and lifestyle changes serve to increase tension and further alienate segments of established society. This inequality has produced an increase in ‘billionaires’ and the ultra-rich, accelerating this cycle.
How Do Democracies Fail?
Unlike decades or centuries ago, these days democracy doesn’t usually fall, such as by an invading army, or a coup. Today, democracies most often fail, a process that’s much slower. An example is an existing government in which elected leaders are trying to become autocrats or endeavor to push a form of government that favors themselves, their patrons, oligarchs, etc. – to the detriment of the average citizen. There are a number of steps that this process takes before democracy is essentially gone, as detailed in the following links:
“On Tyranny” – Timothy Snyder’s book features 20 lessons on authoritarianism from the 20th Century
“10 Steps to Autocracy and Authoritarianism“- from 10 Steps campaign, founded by Stacey Abrams
What can we do about it?
These experts highlight the specific ‘democratic pillars’ that are being eroded by autocratic forces and describe the actions people can take to help support democracy.
“10 Things We Can All Do to Protect Democracy” – from Democracy Docket
“How You Can Protect Democracy” – offers 29 actions people can take – from Protect Democracy.org
“10 Steps to Freedom and Power” – from 10 Steps campaign
More information
“Hundreds of scholars say US is swiftly heading toward authoritarianism“, NPR
“How Democracies Die“, Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky – highlights how aspiring autocrats use democratic institutions themselves to weaken checks and balances, attack the media, and tilt the electoral playing field.