Authoritarianism becomes powerful through a combination of political, social, economic and psychological factors that enable authoritarian leaders or regimes to consolidate power and maintain control. You are seeing it happening with Trump and complicit Republicans.
Here’s an overview of how this process unfolds:
Economic Hardship: Economic instability, unemployment, or inequality can make people seek strong leadership to restore order and stability.
Security Threats: Real or perceived threats, such as terrorism, war or civil unrest, can lead to public support for leaders who promise safety and swift action.
Natural Disasters: Crises like pandemics or environmental disasters can justify emergency measures that expand authoritarian control.
Undermining Checks and Balances: Weak judicial systems, parliaments or independent institutions can allow authoritarian leaders to bypass constraints on power.
Erosion of Civil Liberties: Restrictions on free speech, press, and assembly weaken opposition and limit public dissent.
Propaganda: State-controlled media or disinformation campaigns shape public opinion and promote loyalty to the regime.
Censorship: Limiting access to information ensures that alternative viewpoints are silenced.
Surveillance: Monitoring citizens discourages dissent and fosters fear.
Us vs. Them Narrative: Authoritarian leaders often scapegoat minorities, immigrants, or political opponents to unite their base and divert blame for societal problems.
Destroying Trust: Fostering mistrust between social groups weakens collective resistance to authoritarianism.
Rigged Elections: Authoritarian regimes may hold elections but manipulate outcomes through fraud, suppression or disqualification of opposition.
Constitutional Manipulation: Amending laws or constitutions to extend terms or remove term limits consolidates power.
Capture of Electoral Systems: Ensuring loyalty within election commissions or judiciary ensures control over democratic processes.
Repression: Intimidation, arrests, and violence against dissenters suppress opposition. Military and Police Support: Gaining loyalty from security forces ensures enforcement of authoritarian policies.
Emergency Powers: Declaring states of emergency can grant leaders extraordinary powers, often indefinitely.
Cult of Personality: Authoritarian leaders often portray themselves as saviors, demanding loyalty and fostering personal devotion.
Promised Reforms: Early promises of economic or social improvements can win popular support before authoritarian tendencies emerge.
Apathy and Disillusionment: Low political engagement and distrust in democratic systems make authoritarianism more appealing.
Lack of Organized Opposition: A fragmented or weak opposition allows authoritarian regimes to dominate unchallenged.
Authoritarian Alliances: Support from other authoritarian regimes can bolster resources, legitimacy, or military assistance.
Economic Dependence: Leveraging control over resources or trade relationships strengthens authoritarian influence internationally.
Gradualism: Authoritarianism often rises not through abrupt changes but through incremental erosion of rights, laws, and norms, making resistance harder to mobilize.
Normalization: Over time, the public may accept authoritarian measures as normal, especially if accompanied by promises of stability or progress.