Authoritarian rule has never been confined to remote lands or historical anecdotes, and it can take many forms. Regardless of how democracy is threatened, however, the defense of democratic norms and processes must be at the forefront of each democracy’s foreign policy, national security strategy, domestic reform agenda, and civic engagement. Democracies must recognize that the attack on judicial independence, the erosion of institutional checks, and other subtle attacks can lead to backsliding into authoritarianism.
The authoritarian playbook contains seven key tactics: scapegoating marginalized groups, fomenting mistrust and fear in the public, politicizing independent institutions, limiting civil liberties, attacking the press, spreading lies and conspiracies, stoking violence, and delegitimizing democratic processes to bolster coercive measures. Whether they are seeking to consolidate power, win support abroad, or avoid the political process, all authoritarians employ these tools to destabilize the nation and undermine international norms that underpin democracy.
Many authoritarians seek to justify their grab for absolute power by claiming the world is in such peril that a country must abandon normal constitutional protections and freedoms. Others use the threat of a natural disaster to seize sweeping powers. Either way, such a narrative gives the regime legitimacy at home and abroad.
While psychological research has found that personality traits make some people more vulnerable to authoritarian rule, even those who do not fit the profile can become caught up in a wave of irrational fear and hate. The best way to resist tyranny is to build a stronger, more resilient society. Help support independent media, teachers, unions, lawyers, judges, and election workers, and don’t be afraid to speak out when you see threats.