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.