U.S. Democracy at Risk: Experts Warn of Subtle Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism today is subtler yet more insidious than before. It maintains democratic facades while systematically dismantling them. Experts warn that democracies, including the U.S., are at risk, despite widespread disbelief.
In the U.S., former President Trump targeted democratic institutions, threatening military action against cities and attacking election processes. Yet, many remain convinced of America's exceptional immunity.
This belief is challenged by recent trends. In the past decade, 23 established democracies have experienced significant democratic erosion, with 8 sliding into competitive authoritarianism. The pattern is clear: incremental institutional capture and erosion of legal protections.
One major U.S. political party has embraced election denial and voter suppression. Meanwhile, liberals focus on policy refinements, underestimating the threat. The 'end-of-history' mindset fosters complacency, ignoring existential threats.
The targeting of healthcare systems illustrates this. Administrative actions and regulatory changes systematically erode access, mirroring tactics used in other democratic backslidings.
The U.S. is not immune to democratic erosion. Historical stability is the exception, not the rule. Recognizing patterns and addressing threats is crucial. The belief in American exceptionalism must not blind us to the real dangers facing our democratic institutions.
