this post was submitted on 22 Apr 2025
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So which western countries are heading towards authoritarianism?
Mate, open a fucking newspaper and read it. For a nice, supersized big and fat example be on the lookout for news about a country south of Canada.
I was hoping you would say the USA. Can you please give actual specific examples of the USA moving towards authoritarianism?
This should show if you actually do know what authoritarianism is quite easily.
Ok, to further this fruitless debate i have asked Mistral to write a nice little essay for you:
%<---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In recent years, there has been growing concern that the United States is moving towards authoritarianism. This concern is supported by various indicators and expert analyses.
One of the most alarming signs is the increasing willingness of the governing party to exploit constitutional and legal ambiguities for authoritarian ends. This trend has led to a significant backsliding in democratic standards, as evidenced by the downgrading of the United States in Freedom House’s annual global freedom index from 92 in 2014 to 83 in 2021, where it remains today (Foreign Affairs) . This decline is indicative of a broader global trend where democracy is in retreat and authoritarianism is on the rise (Atlantic Council) .
The shift towards authoritarianism is also reflected in the attitudes and actions of political leaders and their supporters. A survey of more than 500 political scientists found that the vast majority believe the United States is moving swiftly from liberal democracy toward some form of authoritarianism (NPR) . This is further supported by polls showing that nearly half of Republicans prefer “strong, unelected leaders” over “weak elected ones,” and a significant portion believe that defending the “traditional” way of life by force may soon become necessary (WIRED) .
The Republican Party, in particular, has become increasingly authoritarian and extreme, with many leaders flirting with using violence to achieve political goals and spreading lies about elections (WIRED) . This has led to a situation where the opposition that might have materialized in a less threatening environment is suppressed, with potential whistleblowers and citizens deciding not to speak out or engage in political activities (Foreign Affairs) .
The weaponization of state institutions against opponents is another hallmark of authoritarianism that is becoming more prevalent in the United States. This includes efforts to dictate what ideas can be taught and expressed, which is reminiscent of tactics used in authoritarian regimes (Harvard Gazette) . The Trump administration, for example, has been admiring of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has turned Hungary into a competitive authoritarian state by stocking state agencies with loyalists and attacking media business models (NPR) .
The global context also plays a role in the rise of authoritarianism. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Kremlin have been promoting an authoritarian development and governance model, exporting surveillance technology and autocratic governance practices (Atlantic Council) . This external influence, combined with internal political dynamics, contributes to the weakening of democratic institutions in the United States.
In conclusion, the evidence suggests that the United States is indeed on a path towards authoritarianism. The exploitation of constitutional ambiguities, the suppression of opposition, the weaponization of state institutions, and the influence of authoritarian models from abroad are all contributing factors. It is crucial for citizens and political leaders to recognize these trends and take action to protect and strengthen democratic institutions.