As someone who has always valued the principles of democracy — free speech, fair elections, and the protection of individual rights — it is alarming to see the rise of authoritarianism in countries that once prided themselves on their democratic values. Around the world, from the United States to Hungary, Brazil to India, modern democracies are witnessing a surge in authoritarian tendencies. Leaders are undermining democratic institutions, silencing dissent, and consolidating power in ways that threaten the very foundation of democracy itself.
But why is this happening now? What is driving this shift towards authoritarianism in places where democracy was once seen as the end goal of political development? Let’s explore the factors behind this troubling trend and what it means for the future of democratic governance.
The Erosion of Democratic Norms
At the heart of the rise of authoritarianism in modern democracies is the erosion of democratic norms — the unwritten rules and shared understandings that uphold the democratic process. In healthy democracies, political leaders respect the independence of the judiciary, uphold the rule of law, and accept the outcomes of free and fair elections, even when they lose. However, these norms have increasingly come under attack.
In many countries, we’ve seen leaders manipulate electoral processes, spread misinformation, and undermine the independence of the press and the judiciary. For instance, in the United States, the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election saw widespread disinformation about voter fraud, culminating in the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. This event marked a significant departure from the peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of American democracy.
Similarly, in countries like Turkey and Poland, ruling parties have taken steps to weaken the judiciary’s independence, consolidating power and making it harder for opposition parties to challenge their authority. These actions erode public trust in democratic institutions and set a dangerous precedent for the future.
The Appeal of “Strongman” Leaders
The rise of authoritarianism is often linked to the growing popularity of “strongman” leaders — political figures who project strength, decisiveness, and a willingness to bypass democratic procedures in the name of efficiency or national security. These leaders position themselves as defenders of the nation against external threats, be they immigrants, political opponents, or international organizations.
Leaders like Vladimir Putin in Russia, Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, Viktor Orbán in Hungary, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey have all embraced this strongman persona. They often use populist rhetoric to present themselves as the voice of the “real” people, framing their opponents as corrupt elites or enemies of the state. This narrative can be compelling to voters who feel disillusioned with traditional political parties or who believe that democracy has failed to address their economic and social grievances.
The appeal of strongman leaders is rooted in their promise of stability and order. In times of crisis, whether due to economic downturns, social unrest, or security threats, people may be more willing to trade some democratic freedoms for the promise of strong, decisive leadership. This willingness to sacrifice democratic principles for perceived stability is a key factor in the rise of authoritarianism in modern democracies.
The Role of Economic Inequality and Insecurity
Economic inequality and insecurity are significant drivers of the rise of authoritarianism in democratic societies. In recent decades, the gap between the rich and the poor has widened, leaving many people feeling left behind by globalization and economic growth. Middle-class jobs have become scarcer, wages have stagnated, and the cost of living has risen, creating a sense of economic anxiety and frustration.
When people feel that the economic system is rigged against them, they may lose faith in traditional democratic institutions and become more susceptible to authoritarian messaging. Populist leaders often tap into this discontent, promising to shake up the status quo, protect jobs, and challenge the elites who are seen as benefiting from the existing system. By blaming economic problems on immigrants, minorities, or foreign influence, these leaders divert attention from the systemic issues driving inequality and gain support by offering simplistic solutions.
In countries like the United States and Brazil, the economic insecurity of the middle and working classes has fueled the rise of populist, authoritarian-leaning leaders who promise to “drain the swamp” or protect national interests. These leaders capitalize on the anger and fear of those who feel left behind, using it to justify policies that erode democratic norms and concentrate power.
The Impact of Social Media and Misinformation
The rise of authoritarianism in modern democracies has been accelerated by the spread of misinformation and disinformation through social media. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have become powerful tools for disseminating false narratives, conspiracy theories, and divisive content. Authoritarian-leaning leaders and their supporters often use these platforms to manipulate public opinion, spread propaganda, and delegitimize their opponents.
Misinformation campaigns create confusion and distrust, making it difficult for people to discern fact from fiction. This erodes the public’s trust in traditional media, scientific experts, and democratic institutions, creating fertile ground for authoritarian leaders to claim that they are the only source of “truth.” When people can no longer agree on basic facts, it becomes easier for leaders to exploit divisions, sow chaos, and justify repressive measures in the name of restoring order.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation about the virus, vaccines, and government responses was rampant. Authoritarian-leaning leaders used this confusion to downplay the severity of the crisis, attack public health measures, and portray themselves as defenders of individual freedom against what they framed as government overreach. This strategy deepened political polarization and undermined collective efforts to address the pandemic.
Undermining Democratic Institutions
A hallmark of rising authoritarianism is the undermining of democratic institutions. Authoritarian-leaning leaders often attack the pillars of democracy — free press, independent judiciary, fair elections — in an effort to consolidate their power. They may pass laws to restrict media freedom, stack courts with loyalists, and implement electoral changes that make it harder for the opposition to win.
In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has systematically dismantled democratic checks and balances, taking control of the media, weakening the judiciary, and changing electoral laws to favor his party. This erosion of democratic institutions has allowed him to maintain power and push an authoritarian agenda, even as Hungary remains a member of the European Union, ostensibly committed to democratic principles.
Similarly, in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has been criticized for cracking down on dissent, targeting journalists and activists, and using legal tools to silence critics. The use of sedition laws and anti-terrorism legislation to suppress political opposition has raised concerns about the country’s democratic health.
The Global Trend of Democratic Backsliding
The rise of authoritarianism is not limited to a few isolated cases; it is part of a broader trend of democratic backsliding occurring worldwide. According to reports from organizations like Freedom House, global democracy has been in decline for over a decade. More and more countries are experiencing restrictions on civil liberties, weakened checks and balances, and erosion of political rights.
This trend reflects a growing disenchantment with traditional democratic governance. For many people, democracy has not delivered on its promises of economic prosperity and social justice. As a result, they may turn to authoritarian leaders who promise to restore order, protect national identity, and challenge the established political elite.
Can Democracies Fight Back?
The rise of authoritarianism poses a significant threat to the future of democracy, but it is not inevitable. Democracies can fight back by strengthening their institutions, protecting free and fair elections, and addressing the underlying issues that fuel authoritarianism.
- Protecting Democratic Norms: Safeguarding the integrity of democratic institutions is crucial. This means ensuring the independence of the judiciary, protecting press freedom, and maintaining transparency in government. Upholding these norms can help prevent the consolidation of power by authoritarian leaders.
- Addressing Economic Inequality: Reducing economic inequality and ensuring that economic growth benefits all citizens can help restore faith in democracy. Policies that support fair wages, access to healthcare, and quality education can address the root causes of discontent and reduce the appeal of populist, authoritarian rhetoric.
- Promoting Media Literacy: Educating the public about misinformation and improving media literacy can help people critically evaluate the information they consume. Strengthening independent journalism and supporting fact-checking initiatives can counter the spread of false narratives that fuel authoritarianism.
Conclusion
The rise of authoritarianism in modern democracies is a warning sign of deep systemic issues. Economic insecurity, social polarization, and the manipulation of information are driving a shift away from democratic values towards authoritarian tendencies. To counter this trend, it is crucial to strengthen democratic institutions, address the root causes of discontent, and promote an informed and engaged citizenry.
Democracy is not a given; it requires constant vigilance, participation, and effort to maintain. As we face the challenges of the 21st century, it is up to all of us to stand up for democratic principles, demand accountability from our leaders, and work towards a more just and inclusive society.
