Is America On The Road To Authoritarianism?

There’s been a lot of talk recently about what’s happening in countries like Russia, Hungary and Türkiye.

These are countries where their leaders have been in power for a long time, election results are questionable^[1]BBC News: Putin claims landslide in Russian election and scorns US democracy^[2]AP News: EU justice chief laments democratic standards in Hungary^[3]BBC News: Turkish election victory for Erdogan leaves nation divided and it looks like there are few ways (short of the leader dying) that the population could have a chance at a free and fair election.

A lot of people in modern democracies will look at the above examples and realise that they are lucky to cast a free-and-fair vote. We scoff at the “tin-pot dictators^[4]Wiktionary: Tin-pot Dictator” saying that it couldn’t possibly happen to a functioning democracy.

And yet if we look closely at what we’re so proud of, the cracks often start to show.

For example, here in England while the first-past-the-post system isn’t ideal^[5]The London Economic: The real problem with British democracy: First-past-the-post, we can cast our votes knowing that it will be counted for the candidate we’ve marked on the ballot paper. However this system means that a split in the vote can see a smaller party gain power, even if the majority of people didn’t vote for them^[6]The Conversation: How Britain’s new political divide delivers voters to Reform and the Greens.

But this isn’t true in the United States with a firm two party system and little-to-no hope of a third-party candidate gaining enough electoral college votes to succeed, what would happen if the incumbent President were to start down the road to authoritarianism in order to cement his (and his party’s) position as the dominant and only force in American politics?

And, more importantly, what if America is already half way down that road already?

What Is An Authoritarian?

When you think of an authoritarian leader you probably picture a guy in a miliary uniform waving from a balcony.

These types of leaders are someone who holds a lot of power and makes all the important decisions themselves, without much input from others. Think of it like a strict parent who has many rules and expects their children to follow them without question, often saying “because I said so.”

This style of leader believes that they know what’s best for everyone and don’t usually allow people to challenge their ideas or have much freedom to make their own choices.

An authoritarian focuses on maintaining control and expects everyone to obey them without question. While this might seem to create order and efficiency, it can also lead to people feeling like their voices aren’t heard, and it can limit creativity and independent thinking within a group or a country.

Examples of Authoritarian Regimes

There have been many authoritarian regimes over recent history and they can take many different forms (military juntas, one-party states, personalistic dictatorships are a few types), but they all share core characteristics: centralised power, limited political freedoms, suppression of dissent, and a general lack of accountability to the people they govern.

Let’s take a look at a few examples so we can see the different faces of Authoritarian Regimes:

Nazi Germany (1933-1945)

When you think of a “classic” authoritarian regimes, this would probably be the one that tops the list.

Under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, Germany became a prime example of an authoritarian regime (specifically, a totalitarian one^[7]Britannica: What is the difference between totalitarianism and authoritarianism?, which is an extreme form of authoritarianism).

The Nazis completely dismantled democracy, banning all other political parties and controlling every aspect of life from education and media to culture and the economy.

There was no freedom of speech or assembly, and anyone who opposed the regime faced brutal persecution, imprisonment, or death.

Hitler’s will was the ultimate law, and people were expected to obey without question, he created an enemy by “othering^[8]VeryWellMind: How Othering Contributes to Discrimination and Prejudice” the Jewish people of Germany (and beyond) which rallied the population under the banner of a united cause which led to horrific atrocities like the Holocaust.

Argentina under the Military Junta (1976-1983)

With inflation skyrocketing, civil unrest, terror attacks and unhappiness at Isabel Perón (widow of Juan Perón) taking over the presidency following her husband’s death, in 1976, a military coup overthrew Argentina’s democratic government. This ushered in a period of severe authoritarian rule known as the National Reorganization Process^[9]Wikipedia: National Reorganization Process^[10]Global Security: The National Reorganization Process, 1976-83.

This regime was a “military junta” which is a government led by a committee of military leaders and they took complete control of the country.

The Junta suspended the constitution, banned political parties, and brutally suppressed any dissent. Thousands of people, often young professionals, students, and trade unionists, were “disappeared” (abducted, tortured, and murdered in secret) by government forces. The military leaders believed they were fighting against perceived “subversives” and imposed their will through widespread fear and violence.

Iraq under Saddam Hussein (1979-2003)

Saddam Hussein ruled Iraq with an iron fist for over two decades. His regime was characterised by extreme personalistic rule^[11]The Brookings Institute Medium: The rise of personalist rule, where power was concentrated entirely in his hands.

Hussein used a vast network of secret police and intelligence agencies to monitor and suppress any opposition, leading to widespread human rights abuses, including torture, executions, and the use of chemical weapons against his own people (like in Halabja^[12]Middle East Eye: Chemical attacks: How the nightmare of 1988 still haunts an Iraqi town). There were no free elections, no independent media, and no freedom of expression. Loyalty to Saddam was demanded, and fear was a primary tool of control.

Communist Hungary (1949-1989)

After World War II, Hungary fell under the influence and control of the Soviet Union, becoming a one-party communist state (the Hungarian People’s Republic). The ruling communist party controlled all aspects of political and economic life. While there were elections, they were not free or fair, and dissent was heavily suppressed by a powerful secret police – the Államvédelmi Hatóság or “State Protection Authority”^[13]History Learning Site: Hungarian Secret Police .

The government dictated what people could say, read, and even think. The 1956 Hungarian Revolution^[14]History Learning Site: The Hungarian Uprising of 1956, a popular uprising for more freedom, was brutally crushed by Soviet tanks, demonstrating the regime’s authoritarian nature and its reliance on external power to maintain control.

Hungary (Present Day)

While still a member of the European Union and holding regular elections, many international bodies and experts now describe Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party as experiencing democratic backsliding^[15]Sage: Democratic backsliding: How it happens and how It can be countered and exhibiting strong authoritarian tendencies. This is sometimes called an “electoral autocracy^[16]The Loop: A ‘cat-dog’ called electoral autocracy”, meaning elections happen, but democratic norms and checks and balances are severely weakened.

The government has taken increasing control over the media, weakened the independence of the judiciary, rewritten the constitution to consolidate power, and targeted civil society organizations, academics, and minorities. While not as overtly violent as the historical examples, the systematic erosion of democratic institutions and freedoms is a hallmark of creeping authoritarianism.

Russia (Present Day)

Under Vladimir Putin’s long tenure, Russia has progressively moved away from democratic reforms initiated after the collapse of the Soviet Union and is now widely considered an authoritarian regime^[17]UCL: Analysis: How Vladimir Putin was able to change Russia’s constitution and become president for life.

While Russia holds elections, they are not genuinely free or fair^[18]ABC News: Many critics say Russia’s presidential election is rigged — this is how Vladimir Putin does it. The Kremlin (the Russian government) tightly controls the media, suppressing independent journalism and promoting state propaganda^[19]PBS Frontline: How Russia’s Press Freedom has Deteriorated Over the Decades Since Putin Came to Power.

Political opposition is systematically repressed through various means, including arrests, imprisonment of critics like Alexei Navalny (who died in prison)^[20]NPR: Alexei Navalny, Russian politician who opposed Putin to the end, has died in prison, and even assassinations of journalists and opponents^[21]Sky News: The Polonium Trail^[22]The Independent: Salisbury poisoning: How a lethal substance sparked an international incident in a quiet English city^[23]Sky News: Poisonings, plane crashes and falls from windows: What happened to Putin’s most vocal critics.

The judiciary is not independent, often serving the interests of the state. Putin has also overseen constitutional changes that allow him to extend his rule, concentrating immense power in his hands and those of loyal security forces and business magnates^[24]History Hits: How Did Russia’s Oligarchs Get Rich From the Fall of the Soviet Union?. There’s a strong emphasis on nationalistic ideology and a very limited space for public dissent or alternative viewpoints.

Venezuela (Present Day)

While Venezuela had a history of democracy^[25]The Policy Circle: Socialism: A Case Study on Venezuela in the mid-20th century, the country under Hugo Chávez and, more acutely, Nicolás Maduro has transitioned into an authoritarian regime.

Since the late 1990s, power has been increasingly centralised in the executive branch, systematically eroding democratic institutions. The government has severely curtailed political freedoms by suppressing opposition parties and figures, often through legal disqualification, imprisonment, or harassment^[26]France24: Key opposition figure arrested in Venezuela after disputed election, party says^[27]BBC News: Venezuelan opposition leader’s lawyer detained^[28]BBC News: Venezuela opposition leader arrested then freed after protest rally.

Independent media outlets have been largely brought under state control or pressured out of existence, limiting free speech and access to diverse information^[29]Reuters Institute: Forced out from print and airwaves, news media in Venezuela shift to digital to survive.

Despite holding elections, their fairness and transparency are widely disputed, with international observers often citing irregularities^[30]BBC News: UN slams Venezuela repression and lack of transparency. There have also been numerous credible reports of human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions and excessive force against protesters, solidifying its classification as an authoritarian state where the government largely operates without accountability to its citisens.

China (Present Day)

The People’s Republic of China is governed by the Communist Party of China (CPC), a one-party authoritarian state. Since its founding in 1949, and particularly under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the CPC maintains absolute control over all aspects of political, economic, and social life^[31]MIT Technology Review: China just announced a new social credit law. Here’s what it means.

There are no free or fair elections, and all political opposition is systematically suppressed. The state employs extensive surveillance, censorship of the internet and media, and tight control over information to maintain social stability and prevent dissent^[32]Red Pepper: Behind the ‘Great Firewall of China’.

While some economic freedoms exist, political and individual liberties are severely restricted. The government has also faced widespread international criticism for significant human rights abuses, including the repression of ethnic minorities (such as the Uyghurs in Xinjiang^[33]EWTN: UN: China’s mistreatment of the Uyghurs amounts to modern-day slavery), the suppression of democracy in Hong Kong^[34]Council on Foreign Relations: Hong Kong’s Freedoms: What China Promised and How It’s Cracking Down, and the jailing of dissidents.

India (Present Day)

India is the world’s largest democracy, characterised by a multi-party system, regular free and fair elections, and a vibrant civil society. It has a strong constitutional framework with an independent judiciary and a free press.

However, in recent years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), there have been growing concerns among international observers and domestic critics about democratic backsliding and rising authoritarian tendencies^[35]Democracy Journal: The Challenge of India’s Democratic Backsliding.

These concerns include: increased pressure on independent media^[36]Free Press Alliance: India: the growing crisis of press freedom, weakening of institutions like the judiciary^[37]Lawfare: India’s Justice System is No Longer Independent: Part II and election commission, use of sedition laws against critics^[38]Article 14: A Decade of Darkness: Our New Database Reveals How A Law Discarded By Most Democracies Is Misused In India^[39]BBC News: Sedition law: India’s Supreme Court puts controversial law on hold, and the marginalization of religious minorities, particularly Muslims, through policies like the Citisenship Amendment Act^[40]Aljazeera: Why is India’s Citisenship Amendment Act so controversial? .

While India still retains fundamental democratic structures and a lively political discourse, the erosion of some democratic norms and the rise of majoritarian nationalism^[41]European Center For Populism Studies: Majoritarianism are significant points of debate regarding its long-term democratic health.

The above list is nowhere extensive of the full list of authoritarian regimes in 2025^[42]World Population Review: Autocratic Countries 2025 , rather they are presented as examples to show that authoritarian regimes can take different forms such as military juntas, one-party states and personalistic dictatorships.

What’s Wrong with Authoritarianism?

As we’ve seen, it doesn’t matter where on the political spectrum the authoritarian regime falls, they all share core characteristics: centralised power, limited political freedoms, suppression of dissent, and a general lack of accountability to the people they govern.

This means that the population, whether they have a vote or not, have little actual say over how the country is run, who is running the country or even the laws that they are forced to live under.

Instead, decisions are made by a small group or even a single leader, often without transparency or public input. This lack of participation can lead to policies that don’t reflect the true needs or desires of the people, and can stifle creativity, innovation, and individual expression.

Ultimately, authoritarianism prioritises the power of the few over the rights and well-being of the many, often resulting in widespread human rights abuses and a society governed by fear rather than consent.

The Signs Of An Authoritarian Regime

While there’s no one definitive list of signs that a country is heading into becoming an authoritarian regime, there are many things we can look at that point to an erosion in the democratic process.

With 64% of Americans in agreement that their own democracy is at risk of failing^[43]Protect Democracy: The Authoritarian Playbook it especially important to understand what to look for so it can be stopped early enough in the process.

So what are the steps that would need to happen in order for America to become an authoritarian regime?

Politicising Independent Institutions

This is the removal of checks & balances phase and involves appointing loyalists to positions in institutions that are supposed to be impartial, such as the judiciary, civil service, or electoral bodies.

By filling these roles with party faithful, the government can ensure decisions favour their agenda, weakening the independent oversight essential for democratic fairness

Democracies rely on separate branches of government (executive, legislative and judicial) to limit each other’s power. Authoritarian-leaning leaders seek to weaken the legislature’s ability to scrutinize, undermine the judiciary’s independence, or remove constitutional limits on executive actions, allowing them to act without significant restraint.

Independent non-governmental organizations (NGOs), human rights groups, and charities often act as watchdogs. Authoritarian regimes will pass laws to restrict their funding, label them as “foreign agents,” or harass their members to reduce their ability to monitor and report on abuses.

Control of the Media

Authoritarian regimes systematically suppress independent journalism, either by outright state ownership of all major news outlets or through strict censorship, licensing requirements, and the harassment or imprisonment of journalists.

They flood the information space with state propaganda and restrict access to alternative viewpoints, ensuring the public only receives approved narratives.

The use of approved phrases and soundbites are especially prevalent ensuring that those watching are all using the same talking points and spreading the same message far and wide.

Spreading Disinformation And Controlling The Narrative

Governments achieve this by promoting false or misleading information through state-controlled media or social media, while simultaneously suppressing independent journalism.

This manipulation aims to confuse the public, discredit opponents, and ensure that only the government’s preferred version of events is widely accepted, making informed public debate impossible.

This is often accompanied by references to conspiracies run by hidden figures such as a “Deep State Cabal”, a shadow government^[44]The Independent: Trump judge presses his attorneys on ‘shadow government’ claims in Jack Smith hearing^[45]Financial Times: Donald Trump vs the ‘deep state’: president’s vendetta agenda takes shape^[46]PBS News: How Trump spent years stoking dark theories, and why he’s facing Epstein case blowback now or an elite class of citizens that are telling the government what to do (more on that in a moment).

Undermine Public Education & Institutions

This involves cutting funding, politicising curricula, or appointing ideologically aligned leaders to schools and universities.

By weakening critical thinking and limiting access to diverse information, future generations may be less equipped to question authority or understand democratic principles.

Informed citizens are more likely to ask difficult questions, read around subjects so they can understand the nuances of situations and push back against ideals or laws that aren’t in their best interests. A society with a lower-level of education are more likely to take what they are told by officials at face value and not question authority^[47]TruthOut: Thinking Dangerously: The Role of Higher Education in Authoritarian Times.

Throughout history, education systems have been attacked by those attempting to consolidate power with educated classes being demonised, classed as having mental defects and institutionalised or even killed^[48]Vintage News: People were killed for being academics during the 1970’s in Cambodia in order to keep them from voicing dissent to a wider public.

Increasing And Consolidating Executive Power

This often involves passing laws that give the president or prime minister more authority, reducing the power of parliament, or using emergency decrees to bypass normal legislative processes.

Authoritarian leaders often amend or entirely rewrite the national constitution to remove term limits, concentrate more power in the executive, or formalize their control over other branches of government. This gives their power grab a veneer of legality.

Concentrating power makes it easier for the leader to implement their own policies without accountability or challenge.

In certain political systems elected officials in parliament or congress can be bypassed completely by the use of special powers such as executive orders or, because of the politicisation of political institutions, having no pushback on decrees, policies or statements made.

Putting Down Dissent & Reducing Civil Liberties

his involves cracking down on protests, limiting freedom of speech^[49]PBS News: WATCH: Woman is forcibly removed from Idaho town hall meeting by plainclothes security workers, the right to assembly, and increasing surveillance on citizens. By instilling fear and making it risky to express opposition, the government stifles public criticism and prevents organised resistance.

At the same time, the authoritarian regime will also promote their own policies through the use of organised rallies^[50]Lists of Trump rallies and meetings.

They can then point to how popular their government and stance must be due to the number of attendees at these rallies while showing that there is no support for opposing views, ignoring the fact that they are not allowing opposition gatherings to go ahead.

Scapegoating The Vulnerable And Minorities

This is a direct appeal to populism and nationalism in order to gather the base under the umbrella of united causes.

Authoritarian leaders often blame specific groups (e.g., immigrants, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals) for a country’s problems. This tactic diverts attention from the government’s own failures, unifies their base against a common “enemy,” and justifies discriminatory policies.

Leaders gain support by presenting themselves as the voice of the “common people” against corrupt elites, while simultaneously promoting intense national pride and often xenophobia. This creates a powerful emotional bond with followers, allowing the leader to bypass traditional political processes and criticism.

Corrupting Elections & Denying The Legitimacy Of Opponents

This isn’t always about actual vote rigging but more about sowing the seeds that the system is flawed can cannot be trusted.

While still holding elections, these regimes manipulate the process through voter suppression, gerrymandering^[51]Politico: Republicans run a risky strategy for holding the House that rests on redrawn maps, or outright fraud, and then claim victory regardless of actual outcomes.

Crucially, they also constantly delegitimise opposition parties and leaders, accusing them of treason or foreign influence, making it hard for citizens to trust any alternative.

Other tactics include changing election and voter eligibility rules making it more difficult for people to cast a legitimate vote. This tactic disproportionality affects low income and minority voters^[52]Democracy Docket: How ID Requirements Harm Marginalized Communities and Their Right to Vote who don’t have access to valid ID.

Stoking Violence

This can involve using inflammatory rhetoric that encourages supporters to confront opponents, or even tacitly allowing political violence by pro-government groups.

The aim is to intimidate and silence opposition, creating an environment where dissent feels physically dangerous.

Furthermore, the politicisation of the police and security forces is key; they are increasingly used as tools of the regime rather than impartial enforcers of law. This often comes with increased police powers and a removal of accountability^[53]Human Rights Watch: Trump’s Order on Policing a Recipe for Abuse, making it difficult or impossible for citizens to sue officers or seek redress for abuses, which further intimidates and silences dissent.

Controlling the Military/Security Forces

A crucial step for any aspiring authoritarian is to ensure the loyalty of the armed forces and internal security agencies. This might involve purges, promotions of loyalists, or increasing their budget and influence, guaranteeing they will enforce the regime’s will.

Any leader who will not blindly follow orders or may even make a move against the regime would be purged to be replaced with loyalists, again further politicising an institution that should be separate from the main political legislature.

Pander To The Rich And Elite Class

Authoritarian leaders often grant economic favours, tax breaks, or monopolies to wealthy individuals and corporations who support them. This creates a powerful financial base loyal to the regime, ensuring these elites benefit from and therefore help perpetuate the authoritarian system.

Historically, strong labour unions have been a powerful force for democratic change and workers’ rights. Authoritarians seek to either control them (turning them into state organs) or dismantle them to prevent organized worker protests and independent political mobilization. This further helps the rich business owners who don’t have to supply basic rights such as minimum wage, paid holiday or maternity leave.

Make People Economically Anxious & Powerless

Economic instability, high unemployment, or policies that create widespread poverty can make people more dependent on the state and less likely to challenge the government.

When survival becomes the primary concern, political dissent can seem like an unaffordable luxury.

Ironically, authoritarianism can actually cause economic instability, high inflation and high unemployment thanks to its nationalistic rhetoric^[54]The Conversation: Is authoritarianism bad for the economy? Ask Venezuela – or Hungary or Turkey. The authoritarian leader can then use this instability to further push the idea of “immigrants taking jobs” or “foreign countries treating us unfairly” to further scapegoat people, stoke violence and introduce regulations that would otherwise not be possible.

Become A Strongman Figure

Emergency! War! Invasion!

Based on the above points of sowing the seeds of fear, an “us versus them” mentality, a lack of oversight and promoting a country-first view, the leader cultivates an image of being uniquely strong, decisive, and capable of solving complex problems without needing advice or checks.

This personalises power, encouraging a cult of personality^[55]Tutor Chase: How did cults of personality support authoritarian power?^[56]Scholars Stage: A Theory of Authoritarian Personality Cults where loyalty to the leader trumps loyalty to institutions or democratic principles.

Learn From Others Authoritarians

Aspiring authoritarians often study the playbooks of successful dictators from other countries, adopting tactics that have proven effective in suppressing dissent, controlling information, and consolidating power.

This allows them to refine their methods and avoid past mistakes. They may even openly praise other authoritarian leaders^[57]CNN News: 15 times Donald Trump praised authoritarian rulers in order to gain praise and credibility in return.

Resources:

• MarketWatch: A 10-step plan for turning a democracy into a dictatorship, from Robert Reich
• The Commons Social Change Library: Authoritarianism: How You Know It When You See It
• Democracy Digest: Want to be an autocrat? Here’s the 10-point playbook

Is America Becoming An Authoritarian State?

The question of whether the United States is becoming an authoritarian state is complex and hotly debated. While it retains many democratic institutions, certain trends raise concerns for some observers. Here’s a nuanced look at each point:

Politicising Independent Institutions

There are significant concerns, particularly regarding attempts to influence the judiciary through partisan appointments and rhetoric, and challenges to the independence of electoral administration at state levels.

We can see this with questions over how Trump appointed judges such as Aileen Cannon’s handling of the classified documents case^[58]BBC News: Judge Cannon, and the Trump trial going nowhere fast and how the Trump Department of Justice asked for the case against New York Mayor Eric Adams to be dropped which sparked multiple resignations^[59]The Week: Top US prosecutors resign rather than drop Adams case.

Removal of Checks & Balances

There have been efforts, such as proposed changes to judicial powers or the use of executive orders, though the US system of checks and balances has largely held.

There have been efforts by recent administrations to expand presidential authority, including the use of emergency powers, leading to ongoing debates about the balance of power.

As an example, Trump has used emergency powers because of “harmful” foreign trade practices in order to push his tariffs through without congressional approval^[60]Brennan Center: How the President Is Misusing Emergency Powers to Impose Worldwide Tariffs.

And then we have the Executive Orders.

As of the 8th of July, Trump had signed 170 executive orders^[61]BallotPedia: Donald Trump’s executive orders and actions, 2025 bypassing congress on a number of matters such as the creation of DOGE, the reduction of scope of the Department of Education, removal DEI programs and more^[62]Federal Register: 2025 Donald J. Trump Executive Orders.

In contrast, Trump signed 220 executive orders over his first 4-year term^[63]Firstpost: Trump’s executive orders: Do they hold more power than Congressional laws? and Biden signed 162 over his 4-year term^[64]Federal Register: Presidential Documents.

Control of the Media

While the US still has a robust independent press, there have been concerning behaviours such as specific administrations repeatedly labelling mainstream news outlets as “fake news^[65]BBC News: The (almost) complete history of ‘fake news’” attempting to revoke press credentials (e.g., banning the AP from briefings^[66]The Independent: White House justifies blocking AP reporters over ‘Gulf of America’ gripe as holding ‘lies accountable’), and Trump initiating lawsuits against news organisations for perceived “manipulation” of interviews^[67]CNN: Trump sues CBS over ’60 Minutes’ interview with Harris. Legal experts call it ‘frivolous and dangerous’; these actions aim to undermine public trust in independent reporting.

Spreading Disinformation And Controlling The Narrative

Extensive disinformation campaigns are prevalent, especially through partisan media and social media, aiming to control public perception and discredit mainstream news sources.

Perhaps the most famous disinformation campaign of the past year is where Trump claimed that immigrants were eating cats and dogs – a fact that was known to be untrue but it made its way into a Presidential debate all the same.

And who can forget the famous introduction of “Alternative Facts” during Trump’s first term^[68]Psychology Today: The Historical Origin of “Alternative Facts”? It’s probably the most Orwellian of phrases uttered in modern history and we’re still discussing it almost 10 years later.

Trump’s misinformation even has its own Wikipedia entry – False or misleading statements by Donald Trump so read into that what you will.

Undermine Public Education & Institutions

There are instances of political interference in public education, including debates over curriculum content and challenges to academic freedom, though comprehensive undermining is not widespread.

There have been many calls for classrooms to display the 10 commandments^[69]The Scotus Blog: The Ten Commandments return to classrooms: What will the Supreme Court do? and even place the Trump-endorsed bibles in schools (although this was later amended to not be so specific)^[70]AP News: Oklahoma amends request for Bibles that initially appeared to match only version backed by Trump.

Putting Down Dissent & Reducing Civil Liberties:

There have been instances of increased surveillance and forceful responses to protests, raising concerns about the erosion of civil liberties, though freedom of speech and assembly remain constitutionally protected.

Trump recently sent the National Guard in to Los Angeles without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s consents – something that is legally required^[71]CBS News: Trump invoked Title 10 to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles. Here are the legal issues at play^[72]Cultura Collectiva:The Legal Loophole That Let Trump Send Troops Into California Without Newsom’s Consent. He then went further by sending in the US Marines using the Insurrection Act^[73]RSN: Legal Experts Worry About Presidential Abuse of the Insurrection Act. Here’s Why as justification^[74]California Today: Trump sent Marines into Los Angeles without state approval—These are the closest historical precedents.

There was also a case during his first term in 2020 where the National Guard and Police cleared out a square, tear gassing peaceful BLM protesters so that Trump could have a photo op in front of a church^[75]NPR: ‘He Did Not Pray’: Fallout Grows From Trump’s Photo-Op At St. John’s Church.

Scapegoating The Vulnerable and Minorities

Political rhetoric has frequently used immigrants and other minority groups as scapegoats for societal problems, aiming to rally a political base.

We not only have the immigrants “eating cats and dogs” rhetoric but Trump also puts forward that all immigrants are rapists, murderers or are from mental intuitions^[76]Politifact: Trump’s ridiculous claim that “millions” of immigrants came illegally from jails, mental facilities further adding tensions for anyone who is not white.

There’s also the current Anti-Trans Moral Panic which claims that kids are being transitioned at school, are over-represented in sports and more and moves against LGBTQIA+ acceptance, including attacks on gay marriage rights^[77]PBS News: LGBTQ+ Americans are under attack, Human Rights Campaign declares in state of emergency warning which got to a point so worrying that several countries issued travel warnings for people heading to the US – guidance which was aimed at all people, not just Queer travellers^[78]Yahoo News: Several European allies update travel advisories for LGBTQ travelers entering U.S .

Populist and nationalistic narratives are also prominent in contemporary US politics, often used by leaders to forge a direct connection with voters and bypass traditional political structures with Trump citing an “America First” policy which has seen him at loggerheads with NATO^[79]The Geopolitics: Why Trump’s “America First” Approach Resonates with Voters and Challenges NATO’s Future which might sit well with voters but is diminishining America’s position on the world stage^[80]The Conversation: Donald Trump’s first 100 days have badly damaged trust in America both economically and as an ally^[81]The Atlantic: I’ve Seen How ‘America First’ Ends

Corrupting Elections & Denying The Legitimacy Of Opponents

There have been significant attempts to cast doubt on election results, promote restrictive voting laws, and delegitimise political opponents, though the core electoral process remains functional.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that elections were rigged even before the election took place (and he won)^[82]BBC News: US election 2016: Trump says election ‘rigged at polling places’^[83]Snopes: Yes, Trump said, ‘They rigged the election, and I became president’, has frequently claimed that there’s rampant voter fraud^[84]PBS News: Fact-checking Trump’s false claims about voter fraud and ‘rigged’ elections where the actual amount is so minimal it wouldn’t make a difference^[85]AP News: Far too little vote fraud to tip election to Trump, AP finds.

Stoking Violence

There have been instances of political rhetoric that some argue has incited or condoned violence, alongside concerns about the politicisation of some law enforcement agencies, although widespread, systemic lack of police accountability is a long-standing issue rather than a new authoritarian step.

We also saw this in full view in Trump’s first term with his call to the Proud boys to “Stand back and stand by” comment^[86]Politifact: In context: Donald Trump’s ‘stand back and stand by’ debate comments on white supremacists during a Presidential debate against Joe Biden in September 2020.

And the of course we have the events of January 6th where Trump called for his supporters to march to the Capitol

And we all know what happened after that – a storming of a government building, police and protestors injured and killed and Trump seemingly watching events unfold on TV without stopping the people he called to march.

Pander To The Rich And Elite Class

Economic policies, campaign finance, and lobbying practices often favour wealthy individuals and corporations, giving them disproportionate influence over political decisions.

Just look at Elon Musk’s unprecedented donation to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign^[87]Wired: Here’s Just How Massive Elon Musk’s $281 Million Trump Donation Is only to the join him on the campaign trail^[88]USA Today: Elon Musk spent months campaigning for Trump. What’s next for their partnership? and then being made head of DOGE^[89]Forbes: Trump Says Elon Musk Will Head New ‘Department Of Government Efficiency’ Alongside Vivek Ramaswamy.

And then there were the multitude of billionaire donors and faces present at Trump’s inauguration^[90]Forbes: Billionaires Worth A Combined $1.35 Trillion Attended Trump’s Inauguration: Here’s Who Was There—From Musk To Bezos, all who stand to benefit from Trump’s latest “One Big Beautiful Bill” tax cuts while ordinary workers will be worse off and lose health benefits in the process^[91]Fortune: Trump signs ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ into law: What that means for your money^[92]The Hill: How your income taxes will change after Trump signs the ‘big, beautiful bill’ into law.

Make People Economically Anxious & Powerless

Significant economic inequality and anxieties over cost of living contribute to a sense of powerlessness among some segments of the population, which can be exploited by political actors.

Trump claims to have lowered prices for food and gas however that isn’t strictly true^[93]CBS News: Trump makes false or misleading claims about grocery prices and the cost of gas. Here’s a fact check, tariffs are also starting to have an effect on prices, job security and more^[94]Reuters: Trump tariffs would lift US factory jobs, cut overall income, San Francisco Fed says.

As a result, Trump is deflecting by calling on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates^[95]Fortune: Trump wants lower interest rates to ‘counteract’ the inflation from his own tariff policies making it a problem he’s not actually responsible for.

Become A Strongman Figure

Trump has cultivated a “strongman” image, presenting himself as a uniquely capable leader above traditional political norms.

He has said that only he can get rid of the “Deep State” and drain the swamp^[96]AP News: How Trump’s swamp-draining words compare with his actions, that only he will put American and American families first, protect American trade, keep America safe from entering wars^[97]Financial Times: Trump and the lure of strongman leadership, even going as far to say he’d be a “dictator only on day one” in order to force his agenda through^[98]MSNBC: Why it matters that Trump endorsed a ‘strongman’ leadership style.

Learn From Other Authoritarians

There are analyses suggesting that some political actors in the US have adopted tactics observed in other countries undergoing democratic backsliding, such as coordinated disinformation or attacks on the judiciary.

Trump himself has openly praised Russia’s Vladimir Putin^[99]U.S News: The Literally Dozens of Times Donald Trump Has Praised Vladimir Putin, claims he “fell in love” with Korea’s Kim Jong Un^[100]Reuters: ‘We fell in love’ – Trump swoons over letters from North Korea’s Kim, has praise Chinese President Xi Jinping for his “Iron Fist” approach to controlling his population^[101]Huffpost: Trump Praises Chinese President For Controlling Citizens ‘With An Iron Fist’, has glowing words for Türkiye’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan^[102]Greek Reporter: Trump Praises Erdogan and Highlights Strong US–Turkey Ties and who can forget the love-fest of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán^[103]SCMP: ‘America first’ meets ‘Hungary first’, but White House wary of love fest and Trump culminating in his visit to Mar-a-Largo and some odd product placement.

Authoritarianism vs Democracy – Is It Too Late?

While the Trump administration seems to be checking all the authoritarian regime boxes and steamrolling over some basic norms and democratic principles, people are still standing up for their rights and the future of America.

With judges holding firm on blocking Trump’s Executive Orders on deportation^[104]NBC News: Federal judge blocks Trump administration from fast-tracking deportations^[105]Newsweek: Colorado Judge Uses Supreme Court Order to Block Trump Admin Deportations^[106]AP News: A look at the judge who blocked Trump’s deportations and is now facing calls for impeachment (despite the Supreme Court’s attempts to curtail the powers of the Judiciary providing nationwide coverage with their rulings^[107]SCOTUS Blog: Supreme Court pauses district court order preventing immigrants from being deported to third-party countries), Attorneys quitting after taking a moral stance over ICE actions^[108]Newsweek: ICE Employee Quits: ‘Had To Make a Moral Decision’, two-thirds of the Supreme Court Justice Department quitting^[109]Newsweek: Trump Admin’s Supreme Court Lawyers Quit and independent entities like the U.S. Institute of Peace getting court orders to stop DOGE entering the premises (although it looks like everyone was fired anyway^[110]The Independent: Nearly every worker at the US Institute for Peace is fired via a weekend email from DOGE), people and institutions are taking the Trump Administrations policies lying down.

You also have to look to the success of the “No Kings Marches”^[111]The Independent: ‘No Kings’ protests recap: Millions rallied against Trump, organizers say compared to the lacklustre support of Trump’s “It wasn’t a birthday parade it was the Army’s birthday parade, honest”^[112]Rolling Stone: Trump’s Military Birthday Parade Was a Gross Failure which proves that there is a large section of American society willing to push back against the authoritarian moves of the Presidency and the implementation of Project 2025 policies.

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While you might think the situation is helpless and there’s nothing you can do to push back, it’s better to try than to sit silently and be complicit.

Here are some actions you can take to ensure democracy is still the major political force in the United states:

Active and Informed Participation

Whether you like it or not, most of your life is politicised. From health care to pot holes, there’s politics behind why they do and don’t work.

And if you want to complain or have a say about it, you need to be a part of the system.

This UK Electoral Commission advert from 2004 encouraging people to register to vote still holds true today.

While this article has been framed around America’s slide into authoritarianism the following tips can be used by anyone in any country hoping to maintain democracy.

So with that in mind here are some basic steps you can take:

Vote, and Encourage Others to Vote

The most fundamental act in a democracy is voting. Beyond casting your own ballot, volunteer to help register voters, drive people to polling stations, or serve as an election worker.

High voter turnout makes it harder to manipulate results and empowers the collective voice.

Stay Critically Informed

Actively seek out diverse and credible news sources, rather than relying solely on social media or highly partisan outlets. Learn to identify disinformation and share accurate information with your networks. A well-informed public is a strong defence against controlled narratives.

We’ve got a great tools coming soon to help you identify biases in news so make sure to follow our social media accounts to see when it’s released.

Engage Locally

It’s quite easy to look at what’s going on nationally and feel lost and helpless, and that’s the point. If you’re overwhelmed you’re less likely to act but if you focus on something smaller and more local to you then you’re more likely to feel empowered to take action and like you can make a difference.

Join local community groups, attend town hall meetings, or even run for local office (like school board or city council). Local engagement builds strong civic muscles, fosters direct accountability, and can be a powerful barrier against top-down authoritarianism.

Hold Power to Account

If we don’t ask questions or push back then power can run amok unchecked. Because people aren’t expressing dissent then they feel as though they can carry on regardless without needing the support of their base.

You need to let the people you vote in know that they work for you, not the leader of the party or country and certainly not the unelected billionaire donors.

Make you voice heard and let them know you’re watching what they are doing and how they are voting on your behalf as your representative.

Contact Representatives

Regularly communicate with your elected officials at all levels – local, state, and federal. Share your concerns, express your views on legislation, and hold them accountable for their actions and promises. Don’t assume silence means consent.

You can find your representative in the US here.

Support Independent Institutions

Donate to or volunteer with organisations that champion civil liberties, judicial independence, election integrity, and press freedom. These groups often act as watchdogs, challenging overreaches by the executive branch or defending foundational democratic principles.

You can find a list of grassroots organisations to support on the US Grassroots website.

Demand Transparency and Accountability

Advocate for stronger ethics rules, campaign finance reform, and greater transparency in government. Push for laws that make it easier to challenge executive orders or ensure that public officials, including police, are subject to robust oversight and cannot act with impunity.

Sign petitions, attend town halls, write to your representatives & senators and spread the word over social media. Make feelings known and your voice heard — the more people who speak out, the more people who will become aware of what’s going on.

Strengthening Civil Society And Norms

If we begin to act together with one voice we can make massive changes. Think about the BLM marches and the impact they had on police accountability in a wide number of states.

One voice in a sea of many can push a movement forward and really make a difference.

Build Bridges, Not Walls

Actively engage in dialogue with people who hold different political views, seeking to understand rather than simply debate. This helps reduce polarisation, which authoritarians exploit, and strengthens the fabric of shared democratic citizenship.

Understanding the other side’s point of view can help you formulate counter points and arguments. If you don’t understand where they’re coming from, how can you possibly make sensible points to show them the other side of the coin and help them change their views?

Defend Vulnerable Communities

Stand up against scapegoating and discrimination targeting minority groups. An attack on the rights of one group is often a precursor to attacks on the rights of others, so defending human rights universally strengthens democracy for all.

The anti-ICE protests in California and elsewhere, people filming ICE detentions and arrests and stepping in where safe along with other subtle actions all help defend marginalised communities and promote awareness of how they’re being targeted. This shows the administration that people won’t stand for these authoritarian tactics.

Support And Participate In Peaceful Dissent

When warranted, join peaceful protests, rallies, and advocacy campaigns. Public demonstrations of collective will are a vital way to express opposition and demand change when official channels are unresponsive.

If you’re not able to physically attend then sharing content on social media, signing and sharing petitions or even starting your own can help bring awareness, social and political change to important causes so don’t think you can’t do anything if you’re not waving a protest sign in a crowd.

Uphold Democratic Norms

Insist on fair play, respect for electoral outcomes, and the peaceful transfer of power. Speak out against politicians who deny legitimate election results or undermine the democratic process itself. These “unwritten rules” are as vital as written laws.

If you see a post on social media comment on it asking for sources or proof if they haven’t provided it – more often than not people are just posting for attention and calling them out will help show that they’re not spreading the truth.

If it’s a political figure point out previous posts, media comments and videos they’ve made where they’ve said the opposite to what they’re currently saying. While it might not change their stance it will make others aware of how they can easily change their opinions to fit a certain narrative (or to keep their job) and highlight their hypocrisy.

Hope Is Not Lost

Ultimately, preventing a slide into authoritarianism is an ongoing project, not a one-off event. It requires sustained vigilance, active participation, and a collective commitment from everyday citizens to defend the principles of liberty, accountability, and self-governance.

But it’s not impossible if you’re willing to lend a hand, no matter what form that takes.