The Rise of Authoritarianism and Populism in the US: Why the Political Shift?

From the echoes of populism to the shadows of authoritarianism, the United States is witnessing a profound political transformation. This post unravels the roots, manifestations, and implications of these trends, shedding light on a complex and concerning landscape.

 

1. Introduction to Authoritarianism and Populism

 

What are authoritarianism and populism, and how are they related? Authoritarianism is a form of government that concentrates power in the hands of a single leader or a small group, often at the expense of civil liberties, human rights, and democratic institutions. Populism is a political style or ideology that appeals to the common people against the elites, often using emotional rhetoric and simplistic solutions. Populism can be either democratic or authoritarian, depending on whether it respects or rejects the rule of law, pluralism, and minority rights.

Authoritarianism and populism are not new phenomena in the world of politics, but they have gained renewed momentum in recent years. According to Freedom House, a non-governmental organization that monitors political rights and civil liberties around the world, democracy has been in decline for 15 consecutive years, with more than 70 countries experiencing erosion of freedom since 2005 . Among these countries are some of the oldest and most established democracies, such as the United States.

The US has witnessed a rise of authoritarianism and populism in the past decade, especially with the emergence and election of Donald Trump as president in 2016. Trump's campaign and presidency have been characterized by populist rhetoric that portrays him as the champion of the forgotten Americans against the corrupt establishment, as well as by authoritarian tendencies that challenge democratic norms and institutions, such as the free press, the judiciary, the intelligence community, and Congress. Trump has also embraced nationalist and nativist policies that target immigrants, refugees, Muslims, and other minorities as threats to American identity and security.

How did this happen? What are the historical and contemporary factors that have contributed to the rise of authoritarianism and populism in the US? And what are the consequences for democracy and governance in the country and beyond? These are some of the questions that this article will attempt to answer.

2. Historical Context and Roots

The rise of authoritarianism and populism in the US cannot be understood without examining its historical context and roots. While there is no single or definitive explanation for this phenomenon, some of the factors that have been identified by scholars and analysts include:

·       Economic inequality: The US has experienced a growing gap between the rich and the poor since the 1970s, with stagnating wages for most workers, rising costs of living, declining social mobility, and increasing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few . This has created a sense of economic insecurity, frustration, and resentment among many Americans who feel left behind by globalization, technological change, and neoliberal policies. These feelings have been exploited by populist leaders who promise to restore economic prosperity and fairness for their supporters by blaming trade deals, immigration, outsourcing, taxation, regulation, and other scapegoats for their woes.

·       Social change: The US has undergone significant social change in the past half-century, becoming more diverse, tolerant, secular, cosmopolitan, and globalized. This has challenged traditional values, norms, and identities for many Americans who feel threatened by cultural and demographic shifts. These feelings have been exploited by populist leaders who promise to protect and restore American culture and identity by promoting nationalism, patriotism, and exceptionalism, and by opposing multiculturalism, pluralism, and cosmopolitanism.

·       Political ideology: The US has witnessed a polarization of political ideology since the 1980s, with the emergence of the conservative movement and the rise of the Republican Party as the dominant force in American politics. This has created a sharp divide between liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, on various issues such as abortion, gun control, health care, climate change, immigration, foreign policy, and more. This has also eroded trust and cooperation between political parties and institutions, making it harder to reach consensus and compromise on public policies. These feelings have been exploited by populist leaders who promise to fight for their supporters' interests and values by attacking their opponents as enemies, traitors, or criminals.

These factors have created fertile ground for authoritarianism and populism to emerge and flourish in the US, as many Americans have become disillusioned with the status quo and have sought alternative solutions to their problems.

3. Modern Manifestations

 

The modern manifestations of authoritarianism and populism in the US can be seen in the current leaders, policies, and movements that embody this political style and ideology. Some of the examples include:

·       Donald Trump: The former president and leader of the Republican Party is the most prominent and influential example of authoritarianism and populism in the US. Trump has used populist rhetoric to appeal to his base of supporters, mainly white, older, less educated, and rural voters, by portraying himself as the voice of the people against the elites, the media, the deep state, and the swamp. He has also shown authoritarian tendencies by undermining democratic norms and institutions, such as the rule of law, the separation of powers, the checks and balances, the electoral integrity, and the peaceful transfer of power. He has also embraced nationalist and nativist policies that target immigrants, refugees, Muslims, and other minorities as threats to American identity and security, such as building a wall on the southern border, banning travel from certain countries, separating families at detention centers, and inciting violence against protesters.

·       The Republican Party: The GOP has become increasingly aligned with Trump's ideology, especially after his election in 2016. Many Republican politicians have adopted his populist rhetoric and agenda, or have remained silent or complicit in the face of his authoritarian actions. The party has also pursued policies that aim to restrict voting rights, gerrymander districts, stack courts, and overturn election results in favor of their candidates. The party has also embraced nationalism and nativism as core values, rejecting multilateralism, international cooperation, human rights, and diversity.

·       The MAGA Movement: The Make America Great Again movement is a loose network of groups and individuals who support Trump's authoritarianism and populism. The movement includes various factions such as white supremacists, neo-Nazis, militias, conspiracy theorists, and religious extremists, who share a common antipathy toward the federal government, the mainstream media, the Democratic Party, and the progressive agenda. The movement has organized rallies, protests, and demonstrations to express their support for Trump and their opposition to his enemies. The movement reached its peak on January 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to stop the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election.

 

4. Impact on Democracy and Governance

 

The impact of authoritarianism and populism on democracy and governance in the US has been profound and negative. Some of the effects include:

·       Erosion of democratic norms and institutions: it has eroded the norms and institutions that sustain democracy in the US, such as respect for facts, truth, and science; tolerance for dissent and diversity; civility and dialogue; accountability and transparency; and adherence to constitutional principles and the rule of law. Authoritarianism and populism has also weakened the institutions that protect democracy in the US, such as the free press, the judiciary, the intelligence community, and Congress. By undermining these norms and institutions, authoritarianism and populism has damaged the quality and legitimacy of democracy in the US, and has increased the risk of democratic backsliding or breakdown.

·       Polarization of society and politics: it has polarized society and politics in the US, creating a deep divide between liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, on various issues and values. Authoritarianism and populism has also fueled hatred, fear, and violence among different groups in society, such as immigrants, refugees, Muslims, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people, women, and others. By polarizing society and politics in the US, authoritarianism and populism has reduced social cohesion and trust among citizens, and has hindered cooperation and compromise among political actors.

·       Isolation from the world: Authoritarianism and populism has isolated the US from the world, by withdrawing from international agreements, organizations, and alliances that promote global cooperation on issues such as trade, climate change, human rights, security, and health. Authoritarianism and populism has also alienated allies and partners around the world by adopting an America First policy that prioritizes national interests over global interests. By isolating itself from the world, the US has diminished its global leadership and influence, and has exposed itself to greater threats and challenges.

 

5. Case Studies: Leaders and Movements

 

To illustrate how authoritarianism and populism operates in practice in the US, this section will provide case studies of specific leaders and movements that exemplify this political style and ideology. These case studies are not exhaustive or representative of all forms of authoritarianism and populism in the US, but they are indicative of some of the main features and challenges of this phenomenon.

·       Josh Hawley: The junior senator from Missouri is one of the rising stars of the Republican Party and a potential presidential candidate in 2024. Hawley is a staunch supporter of Trump and his authoritarianism and populism, and has been one of the most vocal opponents of the 2020 election results, leading the effort to object to the certification of Biden's victory in Congress. Hawley has also embraced populism as his political brand, claiming to represent the interests of the working class and the middle America against the elites, the corporations, and the big tech. He has also advocated for nationalist and nativist policies, such as restricting immigration, renegotiating trade deals, and confronting China. Hawley has faced criticism and backlash for his role in inciting the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, and for his controversial views on democracy, free speech, and social media regulation.

·       The Tea Party: The Tea Party is a conservative movement that emerged in 2009 as a reaction to the Obama administration and its policies, such as the stimulus package, the health care reform, and the bailouts. The movement is named after the Boston Tea Party of 1773, a protest of British taxation by American colonists. The movement uses populist rhetoric to mobilize its supporters, mainly white, older, wealthier, and more religious voters, by portraying themselves as patriots who defend the Constitution, the liberty, and the American values against the tyranny, the socialism, and the corruption of the government. The movement also shows authoritarian tendencies by rejecting compromise, moderation, and bipartisanship, and by promoting extremism, radicalism, and conspiracy theories. The movement has influenced the Republican Party by pushing it to the right on various issues, such as taxes, spending, debt, regulation, and immigration.

·       Bernie Sanders: The independent senator from Vermont is one of the most popular and influential figures of the Democratic Party and a two-time presidential candidate in 2016 and 2020. Sanders is a democratic socialist who advocates for a progressive agenda that includes universal health care, free college education, a $15 minimum wage, a Green New Deal, and campaign finance reform. Sanders uses populist rhetoric to appeal to his base of supporters, mainly young, diverse, educated, and urban voters, by portraying himself as an outsider who fights for the people against the establishment, the billionaires, and the corporate media. He also respects democratic norms and institutions by accepting election results, endorsing his rivals, and working with his colleagues. Sanders represents a different form of populism than Trump, one that is more inclusive, egalitarian, and democratic.

 

6. Counter-Movements and Resistance

 

In response to the rise of authoritarianism and populism in the US, there have been various counter-movements and resistance that have emerged to challenge and oppose these trends. Some of the examples include:

·       Joe Biden: The current president and leader of the Democratic Party is the main counter-force to Trump's authoritarianism and populism. Biden ran on a platform of restoring the soul of America, by promoting unity, decency, and empathy. Biden also pledged to uphold and strengthen democratic norms and institutions, such as respect for facts, truth, and science; tolerance for dissent and diversity; civility and dialogue; accountability and transparency; and adherence to constitutional principles and the rule of law. Biden also embraced multilateralism, international cooperation, human rights, and diversity as core values of his foreign policy. Biden defeated Trump in the 2020 presidential election, despite Trump's attempts to undermine and overturn the results.

·       The Resistance: The Resistance is a broad coalition of groups and individuals who oppose Trump's authoritarianism and populism. The Resistance includes various factions such as liberals, progressives, moderates, conservatives, Democrats, Republicans, independents, women, minorities, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, refugees, Muslims, activists, journalists, lawyers, judges, scientists, artists, celebrities, and others. The Resistance has organized rallies, protests, and demonstrations to express their opposition to Trump's policies and actions. The Resistance has also used legal, political, and social means to challenge Trump's agenda in courts, in Congress, in media outlets, in social media platforms, in workplaces, in schools, in communities, and in households.

·       Black Lives Matter: Black Lives Matter is a global movement that advocates for racial justice and equality for black people. The movement was founded in 2013 after the acquittal of George Zimmerman for killing Trayvon Martin, a black teenager, in Florida. The movement gained momentum in 2020 after the killing of George Floyd, a black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, which sparked nationwide and worldwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism. The movement uses populist rhetoric to mobilize its supporters, mainly young, diverse, educated, and urban voters, by portraying themselves as victims of oppression and discrimination by the state, the police, and the white supremacy. The movement also respects democratic norms and institutions by demanding reform, accountability, and representation in the political system.

7. Future Prospects and Recommendations

 

The future prospects of authoritarianism and populism in the US are uncertain and contingent on various factors, such as the political, economic, social, and cultural developments in the country and the world. However, some of the possible scenarios include:

·       Continuation: Authoritarianism and populism continues to dominate the US politics, with Trump or his allies retaining or regaining power in the future. This scenario would entail further erosion of democratic norms and institutions, polarization of society and politics, isolation from the world, and instability and violence in the country.

·       Reversal: Authoritarianism and populism is reversed by the US politics, with Biden or his allies consolidating or expanding power in the future. This scenario would entail restoration and strengthening of democratic norms and institutions, reconciliation of society and politics, re-engagement with the world, and peace and prosperity in the country.

·       Transformation: Authoritarianism and populism is transformed by the US politics, with new or emerging leaders or movements offering alternative solutions to the problems facing the country. This scenario would entail innovation and adaptation of democratic norms and institutions, diversification of society and politics, cooperation with the world, and change and progress in the country.

To achieve a positive outcome for democracy and governance in the US, some of the recommendations for policymakers, citizens, and institutions include:

·       Addressing economic inequality: Policymakers should adopt policies that reduce economic inequality and promote economic security, opportunity, and mobility for all Americans. These policies could include raising the minimum wage, expanding the social safety net, investing in education, infrastructure, and innovation, reforming the tax system, and regulating the financial sector. Citizens should demand and support these policies through their votes, voices, and actions. Institutions should implement and monitor these policies through their roles and responsibilities.

·       Embracing social change: Policymakers should adopt policies that embrace social change and promote social justice, equality, and diversity for all Americans. These policies could include protecting the civil rights, human rights, and voting rights of minorities, women, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, refugees, Muslims, and others; reforming the criminal justice system; combating racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and other forms of discrimination; and supporting multiculturalism, pluralism, and cosmopolitanism. Citizens should demand and support these policies through their votes, voices, and actions. Institutions should implement and monitor these policies through their roles and responsibilities.

·       Restoring political ideology: Policymakers should adopt policies that restore political ideology and promote political moderation, compromise, and bipartisanship for all Americans. These policies could include ending the gerrymandering of districts; reducing the influence of money in politics; encouraging the participation of third parties and independent candidates; fostering civic education and engagement; and facilitating dialogue and deliberation among different groups and perspectives. Citizens should demand and support these policies through their votes, voices, and actions. Institutions should implement and monitor these policies through their roles and responsibilities.

 

Conclusion

 

Hopefully you enjoyed the overview of the rise of authoritarianism and populism in the US, exploring its historical context and roots, its modern manifestations, its impact on democracy and governance, its case studies of leaders and movements, its counter-movements and resistance, its prospects, and recommendations. Authoritarianism and populism is a complex and concerning phenomenon that poses a serious threat to democracy and governance in the US. It is not inevitable or irreversible, but it can be challenged and opposed by various actors who value democracy and governance in the US.