The world is witnessing a rise in autocrats who are threatening the very fabric of democracy in modern times. This interconnected breed of autocrats has been gaining and retaining power through deception, undermining democracies globally through their own institutions. Leaders like Viktor Orban of Hungary, Vladimir Putin of Russia, Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, Narendra Modi of India, Recep Tayyip Erdo?an of Turkey, and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela are using similar tactics to dismantle democracies from within, whether in poor or wealthy nations, established or nascent democracies, or from the right or left of the political spectrum.
Autocratic tactics have infiltrated various countries around the world, leading to a moderate to severe deterioration in key elements of democracy. Open and free elections, fundamental rights and liberties, civic engagement, the rule of law, and checks-and-balances between government branches have been eroded in many nations. This democratic backsliding wave has accelerated since 2016, spreading its influence far and wide.
As the U.S. gears up for its upcoming presidential election, concerns about the future of American democracy are mounting. With a presidential candidate like Donald Trump, who openly espouses autocratic tendencies, the question of whether the U.S. is at risk of sliding into autocracy becomes more pressing. Can lessons from autocracies in other parts of the world help us detect signs of democratic backsliding in the U.S.?
Identifying the strategies employed by modern autocrats is crucial to understanding how they attain and retain power. Deception is their hallmark strategy, as they manipulate information and create confusion within the guise of democracy to seize power. Unlike past autocrats who overthrew democracies through military coups, today’s autocrats corrupt democratic institutions from within, weakening the rule of law and dismantling checks and balances.
A special issue of the American Behavioral Scientist brought together scholars who have studied successful and failed autocracies worldwide. Their research revealed common tactics used by autocratic rulers, such as manipulating the legal system, rewriting electoral laws and constitutions, and dividing the population into opposing blocs. Autocrats present themselves as saviors while silencing critics and distorting information through the media to maintain their grip on power.
Global networks of autocratic regimes have enabled them to cooperate, share strategies, and support each other financially. Economic resources are exchanged, security services are shared to suppress dissent, and interference in each other’s elections is not uncommon. The interconnected nature of these autocratic regimes extends to legal specialists, political strategists, and academics who play a key role in legitimizing and perpetuating autocratic rule.
The U.S. is at a critical juncture in its democracy, with the risk of descending into autocracy looming large. However, an alert and well-informed electorate can prevent this slide by recognizing the strategies used by autocrats and understanding the consequences for democracy. Juan Sebastián Chamorro, a Nicaraguan opposition politician, warned of the insidious nature of autocrats who come to power through democratic systems, likening them to a silent disease that can only be stopped if recognized early on.
In conclusion, the rise of autocrats poses a significant threat to democracy in modern times. By understanding their tactics and the interconnected nature of their regimes, we can work towards safeguarding democracy and preventing its erosion. The future of democracy lies in the hands of informed citizens who can recognize the signs of autocracy and take a stand against it. Let us remain vigilant and united in defending the principles of democracy against the encroaching tide of autocracy.