Is the U.S. Becoming an Autocracy? Today, we dive into a thought-provoking article from The New Yorker that examines the alarming trends pointing to American democratic backsliding. Harvard political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt warn of a phenomenon they term "competitive authoritarianism," where democracies deteriorate not overnight, but through gradual erosion, using legal means to undermine norms.

The article references books like “How Democracies Die,” which became instrumental during the Trump era. It highlights that while Trump didn't overthrow democracy outright, his increasing autocratic rhetoric poses significant threats. With promises of retribution and government purges, many observers sense a distorting shift in political discourse.

Levitsky and Ziblatt draw parallels with Hungary, where Viktor Orbán transformed his government into a “hybrid regime,” raising concerns that similar tactics could unfold here in the U.S. Trump’s own administration has shown a penchant for consolidating power and subverting democratic institutions.

David Pressman, a former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, reflects, “Most Americans haven’t lived through a situation like this, so they have no idea what it means for powerful institutions to be captured by the state.” The fear of losing democratic safeguards is palpable.

As Levitsky warns, “Nothing is inevitable.” The fight for democracy continues, even as the landscape becomes increasingly precarious. Keep questioning, stay informed, and recognize the fragility of the freedoms we enjoy.
Link to Article