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 collective responsibility to protect and strengthen democracy, ensuring that it remains resilient against the encroachment of authoritarian tendencies. By understanding the underlying causes and taking appropriate action, we can actively prevent authoritarianism from gaining more ground in the United States than it has since the Reagan administration in 1981. This post is about safeguarding democracy.

Understanding the Threat

Authoritarianism thrives in an environment of societal divisions, political disillusionment, and economic instability. Recently emerging autocracies, such as Vladimir Putin’s Russia and Viktor Orbán’s Hungary have replaced democracies that were in their early stages after decades of authoritarian rule.  

However, the main concern that I have in this post, is how to deal with the rising tide of Trumpism. There are three people that I want to bring into this conversation.  Each of them brings their background, knowledge and expertise to help us understand the nature of authoritarianism and how it differs from democratization.  They especially help us understand Trumpism. 

No Time to Panic

As Terri Kanefield wrote on her bog, it’s “No Time for Panic.”  Kanefield is a former appelate 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” is a primer on what we should be doing as we go into 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, and install an authoritarian who will lead them and solve all their problems.  Doesn’t this remind you of the guy who said, “I alone can fix it.” This kind of thinking was prominent in Nazi Germany and Mussolini’s Italy.  People were looking for someone who could fix their problems.  The people in these countries were convinced that democracy doesn’t work, and that it should be replaced with a “strongman.”  Literally, I mean a “man.” Please take a look at Germany 1923 by Volker Ullrich which describes how Hitler was seen as a savior and 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. 

Strongmen

The threat of authoritarianism is explained by Ruth Ben-Ghiat 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, which explores the consequences of democratic erosion and the corruption that is led by Donald Trump and his allies and devoted followers known as MAGA.  

Moral Politics

George Lakoff’s research on moral politics (a link to Lakoff’s book of the same title) should be right at the top of how to understand the thinking of Donald Trump, as well as the millions of followers.  Lakoff argues that conservative and liberals hold two different conceptual models of morality.  Conservative have a strick father model in which there is a head who does no wrong, controls the narrative, and answers to no one.  Liberals (progressives) have a nurturant father model in which cooperation, empathy, and shared responsibility define them.

Reality of the January 6 Attack

The 2024 election could be a repeat of 2020.  Joe Biden won that election by seven million votes.  Donald Trump was the loser.  He also was a loser in the 2016 election in which Hillary Clinton beat him by nearly three million votes.  When he lost to President Biden, he orchestrated a coup and insurrection to overturn the general election.  The “fake elector” scam that was carried out in several states. The “fake elector” scam is part of the indictment leveled at Trump and 18 co-conspirators in Fulton County, Georgia. 

And he ordered thousands to charge the Capitol to prevent the Congressional Representative and Senators from counting the electoral ballots from the states. January 6 became a day of infamy when a hoard of pirates climbed walls, attacked Capitol police and forced hundreds of people to go into hiding.  They were especially looking for Vice President Mike Pence because he didn’t follow Trump’s orders to halt the counting of votes and send them back to states.  The mob wanted to hang Pence. 

They were also looking for Nancy Pelosi.  They wanted to kill her, too.  Some congress people were nearly found and captured.  The attack on the Capitol is one of the ways that authoritarians-dictators seize power. 

But keep in mind, that most authoritarians are elected.  Trump is a dictator, and has already claimed the Oval Office.  

Safeguards

Recognizing these factors is crucial in developing effective strategies to safeguard democracy. We must address the root causes while simultaneously promoting democratic values, inclusivity, and economic prosperity.

1. Promote Civic Education

 One of the most effective ways to prevent authoritarianism is by fostering civic education. By educating ourselves and future generations about the principles, rights, and responsibilities of democracy, we can build a society that is better equipped to recognize and reject authoritarian tendencies. Encourage your local schools and communities to prioritize civic education, ensuring that our youth are well-informed and engaged citizens

2. Strengthen Democratic Institutions

Robust democratic institutions act as a bulwark against authoritarianism. We must advocate for reforms that enhance transparency, accountability, and fair representation within our political and legal systems. Support initiatives that promote impartiality, reduce corruption, and increase public trust in these institutions. 

Democratic institutions held against Trump’s attempted coup in 2020-2021 because of the strength and moral values of individuals within those institutions.  They were loyal to the Constitution, not to Donald Trump.  Trump has promised to fill all administrative institutions with loyalists who will do Trump’s bidding.  We can’t let that happen. 

3. Protect Freedom of Press and Expression

Authoritarians often attempt to control or suppress the media and limit free expression. We must champion a free press, supporting independent journalism and media outlets that adhere to high journalistic standards. Encourage responsible consumption of news, fact-checking, and media literacy. Stand against any attempts to undermine press freedom, as it is a cornerstone of democracy.  Donald Trump changed the nature of truth by initiating the concept of “fake news.” 

Think of “fake news” as truth for a moment.  As the press documents wrong doing by Trump and his loyalists, these ideas are rendered “fake news.”  Unfortunately for so many Americans, any idea promoted by the free press is considered in their mind, “fake news.” 

4. Promote Inclusive Politics

 Authoritarianism thrives when divisions within society are exploited. The Republican Party has become the party demeaning inclusivity, and has gone after institutions around the country that value diversity and collaboration. The recent resignation of Dr. Claudine Gay, President of Harvard University is an example how the right-wing goes after any idea or person that promotes diversity and inclusivity.

Diane Ravitch, on her blog, writes that Chris Rufo takes a victory lap with Claudine Gay’s scalp. Chanelle Chandler, writes that Gay was not only targeted because of her comments related to the Israel-Hamas war and plagiarism, but by personal attacks and threat fueled by racial animus. Chandler says that Gay was targeted partially due to her race. She faced such hostility because she was a successful black woman who now was the top administrator at Harvard. 

We must actively work towards fostering inclusivity, embracing diversity, and promoting dialogue among different communities. Encourage political leaders to bridge divides, prioritize cooperation, and address the concerns of marginalized groups to ensure equal representation and protection for all citizens. 

Call to Action

To prevent authoritarianism from gaining ground in the United States, we must engage in meaningful action. As Teri Kanefield wrote on her blog, it’s “no time to panic.”

Here is a call to action for every concerned citizen:

1. Stay informed: Regularly follow reliable news sources and engage in critical thinking to counter misinformation and propaganda.  Find blogs written that provide truthful information about politics.  I identified several people in this post that I recommend you follow.

2. Vote responsibly: Participate in local, state, and national elections, supporting candidates who uphold democratic values and have a strong commitment to the welfare of the people.

3. Advocate for reforms: Contact your elected representatives, urging them to prioritize reforms that strengthen democratic institutions, promote inclusivity, and protect fundamental rights. 

4. Engage in peaceful protests: Exercise your right to peaceful assembly to express concerns and demand accountability from those in power

5. Support civil society organizations: Contribute to and volunteer for organizations that defend democratic values, human rights, and social justice

Conclusion

Preventing authoritarianism from gaining ground in the United States requires collective effort and unwavering commitment to democratic principles. By staying vigilant, promoting civic education, strengthening democratic institutions, protecting freedom of expression, and fostering inclusivity, we can ensure the endurance of democracy for future generations. Let us unite in safeguarding the values that define us as a nation and prevent the erosion of our democratic foundations.