Introduction
In recent years, concerns about the rise of authoritarianism have become more prominent, both globally and within the United States. More people in the world live in countries governed by an authoritarian than in live in democracies. As citizens, it is our responsibility to protect and strengthen democracy. We must make sure that it remains resilient against the encroachment of authoritarian tendencies. We can understand the underlying causes of authoritarianism. By taking the right steps, we can prevent it from expanding any further. Its expansion should not surpass what has occurred in the United States since the Reagan administration in 1981.
The posts link you to blog articles I’ve written how America has become an authoritarian state. Here are a few examples.
Authoritarianism
In 2016, I named Donald J. Trump an authoritarian. I based my choice of name on the moral worldviews of George Lakoff. He maps moral world views by using the metaphor of “Nation as Family.” Two types of families are mapped. One is an idealized nurturant family. It is expressed in terms of progressive values: empathy, caring, support for each other, and public resources for all. Indeed, not a Trump family.
The second is an idealized, strict father family. It is expressed in terms of power and authority. This power rests with the head of the family (father) or the head of the nation. These are authoritarian values. This is the Trump family. Please note that the MAGA faithful have labeled Trump as the “Father.” We also think of Trump as “Dear Leader.” He has an affinity for authoritarian leaders like Putin, Orbán, and Kim Jong-un.
The following attributes characterize authoritarianism.
- the enforcement or advocacy of strict obedience to authority at the cost of personal freedom,
- a form of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms,
- principle of blind submission to authority, as opposed to personal freedom of thought and action,
- any political system that concentrates power in the hands of a leader or a small élite that is not constitutionally responsible to the body of the people,
- in raising children, authoritarian parents demand obedience, good manners, and good behavior and not independence, curiosity, and thinking for oneself.
The Trump Files and Strongmen:a Two Books about Authoritarianism
Understanding the Threat
Authoritarianism thrives in an environment of societal divisions, political disillusionment, and economic instability. Recently emerging autocracies, like Vladimir Putin’s Russia and Viktor Orbán’s Hungary, have taken over. They replaced democracies that were in their early stages after decades of authoritarian rule.
The primary concern I have with my blog is how to tackle the growing influence of Trumpism. This is authoritarianism in play. There are two people I would like to bring into this conversation. Each of them brings their background, knowledge, and skill. They help us understand the nature of authoritarianism. They also help us see how it differs from democratization. They mainly help us understand Trumpism.
No Time to Panic—Terri Kanefield
As Terri Kanefield wrote on her bog, it’s “No Time for Panic.” Kanefield is a former appellate defender and UC Berkeley Law graduate. She’s published more than a dozen books, and writes one of the most important blogs on the law and politics. Her recent post, “no time for panic” serves as a primer. It guides us on what actions to take as we approach the primaries and general election of 2024. She explains that panic falls right into the playbook of authoritarians. They are going to say and do outrageous things intended to upend our thinking. Instead what we must do is to realize who Trump and his defenders are—liars, propagandists, cheats, and losers.
Their goal is to attain power that puts democracy in the rear-view mirror. They want to install an authoritarian who will lead them. This leader is expected to solve all their problems. Doesn’t this remind you of the guy who said, “I alone can fix it.” This thinking was prominent in Nazi Germany and Mussolini’s Italy. People were seeking someone who could resolve their problems. The people in these countries were convinced that democracy doesn’t work, and that it should be replaced with a “strongman.” I mean a “man.” Please take a look at Germany 1923 by Volker Ullrich. The book describes how Hitler was seen as a savior. He was regarded as a replacement for the struggling democracy of the Weimar Republic. We are witnessing the goal of the Republicans to replace American democracy with Trump and Trumpism. As of late May, 2025, America is under the hold of a racist president, who is also a felon. He has all the qualifications to be one of history’s strongmen.
Strongmen—Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Ruth Ben-Ghiat explains the threat of authoritarianism in her book, Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present. Dr. Ben-Ghiat is an American historian and cultural critic. She is a scholar on fascism and authoritarian leaders. Ben-Ghiat is professor of history and Italian studies at New York University. She writes Lucid, a blog on Substack. It explores the consequences of democratic erosion. It also examines the corruption led by Donald Trump, his allies, and devoted followers known as MAGA.
American Autocracy
America is under the rule of an autocracy led by authoritarians Elon Musk and Donald Trump. This year has seen the erosion of democratic safeguards as never before. The Republicans in Congress have been mute. They have looked the other way at how Musk and Trump are destroying the Executive branch of the U.S. Government. Musk, with Trump’s blessing, is firing thousands of people in the departments and agencies of the Federal government. They do this without regard for the humanity of those people. They have no information about who these people are, what they do, or how well they execute.
The overarching theme urges citizens to stay vigilant. They must be proactive in defending democracy against authoritarian threats.
Key Points of American Autocracy
The key points of American Autocracy are observed in the next ideas.
- Political Dynamics and Far-Right Influence: There have been meetings between far-right Republicans and Hungarian officials. It highlights the growing influence of authoritarian figures like Viktor Orbán on U.S. politics. Orbán also made a visit to meet with Trump before the election. They met in Mar a Lago.
- Trump’s Authoritarian Strategies: Trump has attempted to undermine democratic institutions. These include his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. He incited the January 6 Capitol attack. He also used conspiracy theories and divisive rhetoric. He has, with Musk’s criminal behavior, played havoc on United States government workers, and all departments and agencies. Massive layoffs, with no warning or rationale, have ruined the lives of thousands of Americans and their families. Universities and public schools have also become a target of Trump’s cruel and criminal behavior. Billions of dollars of research funding hav been wiped away from many U.S. universities.
- Impact on Democratic Institutions: The consequences of Trump’s leadership on various federal agencies are immense. The analysis includes mass firings and budget cuts. These actions crippled public services and research initiatives.
- Historical Parallels: I also draw comparisons between the current political climate in the U.S. and historical instances of authoritarianism, like Nazi Germany and Mussolini’s Italy, to illustrate the dangers of unchecked power.
- Role of Influential Figures: The involvement of figures like Elon Musk is discussed. Their influence on government policies is especially considered. They have the potential to reshape governance according to technocratic ideals.
- Call to Action: Citizens need to stay vigilant. It also stresses the importance of staying informed. They should also be proactive in defending democratic values against authoritarian threats.
- Fictional Perspectives: The inclusion of fictional letters from the future offers a speculative look. They examine the long-term effects of current political trends. These letters serve as both a warning and a call to action.
Overall, you will find a detailed analysis of the rise of authoritarianism in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of safeguarding democracy through active civic engagement and awareness.
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