Category: Essays

The Seduction of Authoritarianism

Why some embrace it — a guest post by Paul Edward Robinson
(Inspired by Anne Applebaum’s Twilight of Democracy)

Over the past weeks, I’ve written about competitive authoritarianism—how democracies don’t always die with a bang, but erode bit by bit as leaders tilt the playing field to keep power. We’ve seen real-world examples of this in action and explored ways to resist it.

But here’s the uncomfortable question: Why do so many people—sometimes even former democrats—go along with this shift? Why do some actively support leaders who dismantle democratic norms?

Anne Applebaum tackles this in Twilight of Democracy. She doesn’t just examine how authoritarianism rises—she asks why people welcome it. And the answer is unsettling.

1. The Allure of Stability and Order

Democracy is messy. It thrives on debate, disagreement, and compromise.

Authoritarian-leaning leaders promise to “cut through the noise” and restore order—something that appeals to those tired of political chaos.

Many believe that a strong leader is the answer to polarization, unaware that this “order” comes at the cost of rights and freedoms.

2. The Comfort of a Simplified Worldview

Democracy requires critical thinking, engagement, and accepting uncertainty.

Competitive authoritarian regimes, on the other hand, offer easy answers—blaming outsiders, the media, or political opponents for all problems.

This attracts those who find it exhausting to navigate a world where truths are complex and policies require debate.

3. The Role of Political and Media Elites

Applebaum, like Levitsky & Way, emphasizes that democratic decline isn’t just about the leader—it’s about the elites who enable them.

Politicians, journalists, and intellectuals sometimes choose to support an emerging autocrat—not because they are forced to, but because it benefits them.

Whether it’s access to power, wealth, or ideological alignment, many will rationalize their support even as democracy erodes.

4. The Fear of Losing Power

Not everyone supports authoritarianism because they like it—some do it because they fear what happens if the “other side” wins.

Many competitive authoritarian regimes exploit this fear, convincing supporters that democracy will lead to their marginalization.

This fear—of demographic shifts, cultural change, or economic uncertainty—often overrides concerns about democratic principles.

5. The Slow Normalization of Autocracy

Applebaum warns that the transition from democracy to authoritarianism often feels normal to those experiencing it.

At first, it’s just small changes—the courts get reshaped, the media shifts, elections still happen but feel less meaningful.

By the time people realize what’s happened, it’s too late to easily reverse course.

Final Thought: The Fight for Democracy Is Also a Fight for Minds

Levitsky & Way help us understand how competitive authoritarianism works. Applebaum helps us understand why people let it happen.

Resisting authoritarianism isn’t just about policies and elections—it’s also about pushing back against the narratives that make people want a strongman, that make them fear open debate, or that convince them democracy isn’t worth the trouble.

History shows that no country is immune. The best defense isn’t just voting or protesting—it’s challenging the mindsets that make democracy vulnerable in the first place.

Misinformation vs. Disinformation

Why the difference matters — a guest post by Paul Edward Robinson

In a world flooded with information, not everything we hear, read, or share is true. But did you know there’s a difference between misinformation and disinformation? Understanding the distinction is crucial—because one is based on mistake, while the other is based on manipulation.

Misinformation = False information spread by mistake

Someone believes what they’re saying is true, but they’re wrong. They aren’t trying to deceive; they just don’t have the right facts.

Example: A person shares a fake news article about a politician without realizing it’s satire.

Disinformation = False information spread deliberately

This is intentional. Someone knows it’s false but spreads it anyway to mislead, manipulate, or push an agenda.

Example: A foreign government creates a fake news website pretending to be real journalism, aiming to influence an election.

Why Does This Matter?

When we accidentally spread misinformation, we help confusion grow. When people intentionally spread disinformation, they subvert truth itself.

So, how can we stop both?

Pause before sharing—ask: where did this come from?

Check the source—is it reputable or a known misinformation site?

Be open to correction—if someone shows you credible evidence that you’re wrong, own it!

What do you think? Have you ever fallen for misinformation? (We all have!)

How to Fight Back when Democracy Starts to Slip

A guest post by Paul Edward Robinson

In my last post, we looked at real-world examples of competitive authoritarianism—how leaders slowly rig the system to stay in power while still holding elections. But here’s the good news: these regimes aren’t invincible. Throughout history, ordinary people have pushed back—sometimes through massive protests, sometimes through strategic resistance that chips away at authoritarian control.

So, what can you do if you see democracy being eroded in your country? Here are some key ways people fight back:

Support Independent Media

Competitive authoritarian regimes often control state media or flood the airwaves with propaganda. That’s why independent journalism is crucial—it exposes corruption, holds leaders accountable, and keeps people informed. Follow independent news sources, support journalists under attack, share credible fact-checked information to counter propaganda.

Defend the Right to Vote

Many of these regimes hold elections but make it harder for opposition voices to win—through voter suppression, gerrymandering, or legal loopholes. Advocate for free and fair elections, monitor elections for fraud or irregularities, encourage people to vote (even when the odds seem stacked, upsets can happen).

Refuse to Normalize Corruption & Power Grabs

One of the most dangerous things authoritarian-leaning leaders do? Make corruption seem normal. They change the rules bit by bit, and people get used to it. Call out abuses of power immediately—don’t let small changes go unchallenged. Hold politicians accountable, even if they’re on “your side.” Support organizations that expose corruption.

Use Social Movements to Build Pressure

Authoritarian regimes often ignore individual critics—but they struggle when millions mobilize. Join (or support) movements that fight for democracy, press freedom, and human rights. Protest when necessary—peaceful mass movements have toppled authoritarian leaders before. Keep pushing, even when it feels like nothing is changing.

Change often happens slowly, then suddenly.

Protect the Independence of Courts & Institutions

When courts, election commissions, and watchdog agencies become politically controlled, there’s no one left to check abuse of power. Speak out when judicial independence is threatened. Support legal challenges against undemocratic laws. Pay attention to court rulings—corrupt leaders quietly change laws to protect themselves.

Educate & Organize Locally

Competitive authoritarian regimes often divide society—spreading misinformation and creating conflict to keep people distracted. The best way to fight back? Build local networks of informed, engaged citizens.

Have conversations with family, friends, and coworkers—awareness is the first step. Support civic education programs—authoritarians thrive when people don’t understand their rights. Organize at the local level—change starts in communities before it spreads nationally.

Don’t Give Up—Even When It Feels Hopeless

Remember: no authoritarian leader is invincible. History has shown that even the most repressive governments can and do fall—but only if people keep resisting.

Need proof? In Malaysia (2018), Serbia (2000), and Chile (1988), people fought back against competitive authoritarianism and won. It took years of persistence—but in the end, democracy prevailed.

The key is to not wait until it’s too late. The earlier people resist, the harder it is for authoritarian-leaning leaders to cement their power.

When Democracy Becomes a Rigged Game

Real-World Examples — a guest post by Paul Edward Robinson

In my last post, we talked about the warning signs of competitive authoritarianism—how leaders can tilt the playing field just enough to stay in power while keeping a democratic façade. But this isn’t just a theory. It’s happening in real countries, right now.

Here are some examples of how competitive authoritarianism has played out across the world:

Russia (Early 2000s–Today)

Elections still happen in Russia, but can anyone really challenge Putin? Opposition figures are either harassed, jailed (like Alexei Navalny), or mysteriously fall out of windows. State-controlled media drowns out alternative voices, and new laws make it nearly impossible for independent political parties to operate freely. The illusion of democracy remains, but the outcome is never in doubt.

Hungary (2010–Today)

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his party, Fidesz, have systematically weakened Hungary’s democracy. They changed election laws to favor their party, took over independent media, and stacked courts with loyalists. Orbán still holds elections, but with a system designed to ensure he wins—classic competitive authoritarianism in action.

Turkey (2010s–Today)

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan started out as a democratically elected leader, but over time, he concentrated power. After a failed coup attempt in 2016, he used emergency powers to silence critics, arrest thousands of journalists and academics, and rewrite the constitution to extend his rule. Elections still happen, but opposition parties face constant legal and political obstacles.

Venezuela (2000s–Today)

Hugo Chávez was elected democratically, but his government gradually chipped away at checks and balances. His successor, Nicolás Maduro, took it further—jailing opposition leaders, rigging elections, and rewriting the constitution to maintain power. Despite elections and opposition movements, Venezuela operates under a thin veil of democracy while functioning as an authoritarian state.

Malaysia (1990s–2018)

For decades, Malaysia had elections, but they were skewed in favor of the ruling coalition. The government controlled the media, gerrymandered districts, and used corruption investigations to weaken opponents. It wasn’t until 2018 that a massive political shift finally broke this cycle—showing that competitive authoritarian regimes aren’t always permanent.

So, what can we learn from these cases?

Democracy doesn’t usually die in one big moment—it erodes slowly.

Leaders often use legal means to stay in power, making it hard to push back.

Even in competitive authoritarian regimes, change is possible—but it takes persistence and pressure.

How Democracies Start to Break

Slowly, then all at once — a guest post by Paul Edward Robinson

In my previous post, I talked about competitive authoritarianism—a system that looks democratic but is actually rigged in favor of those in power. But here’s the kicker: most of these regimes don’t start as dictatorships. They start as democracies that get chipped away piece by piece.

Leaders who undermine democracy often use the very institutions meant to protect it. They don’t storm in with tanks—they tweak the rules, pressure the courts, and flood the media with propaganda until real opposition becomes nearly impossible.

So, how does this play out in real life? Here are some red flags that a country might be shifting toward competitive authoritarianism:

Weaponizing the legal system – Opposition leaders get investigated, sued, or arrested over technicalities. Not outright repression, just enough to keep them tied up in court instead of running for office.

Controlling the media – Instead of banning independent journalism, these regimes buy up media outlets, pressure advertisers, or drown out criticism with state-sponsored news. Citizens still think they have free media, but what they see is tightly managed.

Elections that are “free” but not “fair” – Sure, people can vote. But the rules get changed just enough to make it impossible for opposition parties to compete—gerrymandering, voter suppression, or last-minute changes to election laws.

Using state resources for political gain – Government funds go toward helping the ruling party campaign. Public institutions (police, tax authorities) start targeting critics while looking the other way when allies bend the law.

Dismantling checks and balances – Courts, watchdog agencies, and legislatures get packed with loyalists who won’t challenge the government. Over time, accountability disappears.

The most dangerous part? This happens gradually. Many people don’t even realize their democracy is fading until it’s too late.

So, how do we protect democracy? By paying attention. By speaking up when these patterns start appearing. And by remembering that democracy isn’t just about elections—it’s about a system that allows real competition, real accountability, and real choice.

Today on Substack

Some good columns you may wish to read:

On Hopium Chronicles (both text and video), Simon Rosenberg asks for Democratic Party leadership to pen a “Letter to America” loudly stating what the Trump / Musk administration is doing — Trump-Musk Are Committing Crimes, Tearing Up The Constitution, Betraying The Country – And Dems Need To Say So, Loudly

On Wonkette, Robyn Pennacchia discusses double-standards in MAGA Outraged Florida AG Investigating Admitted Human Trafficker/Rapist Andrew Tate. Meanwhile, Evan Hurst discusses Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s reduced position in Oh No! Trump Is Ignoring Marco Rubio And He Is So Upset! Oh No!

Robert Reich discusses Elon Musk’s take on Social Security in The biggest Ponzi scheme in history.

Dr. Zachary Rubin suggests techniques for productive discussions with ideologically-locked people in A guide to addressing vaccine hesitancy (these techniques are likely more-broadly useful, beyond just medical topics).

Why Some Democracies Aren’t Really Democracies

A guest post by Paul Edward Robinson

We like to think of democracy as a clear-cut system—either you have free and fair elections, or you don’t. But what if I told you there’s a gray area?

In The Rise of Competitive Authoritarianism (PDF, free download), Steven Levitsky and Lucan A. Way explain how some governments appear democratic on the surface but are actually rigged to keep those in power from ever losing.

They call this competitive authoritarianism—a system in which opposition parties exist, elections are held, and the media operates, but everything is stacked against real political competition. Think of it as a game in which one team owns the referees, controls the scoreboard, and rewrites the rules as they go.

These regimes use subtle, legal means to tilt the playing field—harassing opposition leaders with lawsuits, controlling state media, or tweaking election laws just enough to ensure the ruling party stays in power. Unlike full-blown dictatorships, they can’t just jail opponents outright (without consequences), but they don’t have to play fair either.

The scary part is that this isn’t just a phenomenon in weak states or failed democracies. It happens in places that were once solidly democratic but started sliding toward authoritarian tactics, eroding checks and balances over time.

So, next time you hear about an election that seems “free” but not quite “fair,” remember—real democracy isn’t just about voting. It’s about competition that actually gives people a real choice.