In a dictatorial system, leaders exercise power unjustly, disregarding norms and constitutional mandates. This often stems from a core desire to strengthen their position within the political arena. Characteristics of such a regime embody lack of respect for democratic principles, rejection of competitors’ credibility, endorsing or facilitating politically motivated aggression, and curbing oppositionists’ civil liberties.
Since the moment the president embarked upon his second term, he signalled a significant shift in approach. He mobilized the National Guard towards Los Angeles and Washington and further identified Democratic-controlled locations as potential areas for military engagement. In immigration clampdowns, he sanctioned the deployment of conceals and unidentifiable law enforcement agents. He directly threatened Chicago with potential military enforcement and utilized government machinery to persecute those he perceived as political adversaries.
Identifying an authoritarian regime in real-time can often be challenging. This is because such behaviors become glaringly evident only when looking back, leading to unfortunate situations where individuals remain oblivious until it is too late. As per political scientist Chenoweth’s observation, the transition from democracy to authoritarianism lacks clear defining boundaries. Citizens typically discern the nature of their political environment only in hindsight.
Hence, recognizing and calling out authoritarian behavior becomes critical when evidences point in that direction. Unquestionably, this president’s regime has crossed such thresholds. During his tenure, he displayed hallmarks of authoritarian conduct.
His actions frequently undermined the legitimacy of the elections where his political faction was unsuccessful. He consistently leveled unfounded allegations of criminal behavior against his opponents. Furthermore, he never fully denounced acts of violence perpetrated by his followers and frequently made threats to penalize adversaries and those who critique him.
Academics maintain that never before in recent American history has a primary contender for the presidential election so publicly disregarded constitutional rights and democratic principles. When questioned about his controversial approach, the president remarked that his actions were not a prelude to war. Instead, he stated his intent was ‘to improve our cities’ without withdrawing his intent to involve military forces against the desires of the Illinois Governor.
On the seventh day of September, a columnist emphasized the president’s dictatorial demeanor, summing up by writing, ‘This is not a potential onset of authoritarianism. This is authoritarianism in action.’
Experts argue that the observed hesitancy to categorize his behaviors as dictatorial could be tied to the common public perception that equates authoritarianism with military tyranny or absolutist regimes. However, within what is termed as competitive authoritarian environments, there exists a continuous dynamic interplay between democratic and totalitarian tendencies.
Under such political systems, the ruling party utilizes democratically acquired authority to dismantle democratic norms, destabilize democratic establishments, and skew the political landscape to maintain their advantage. Even journalists who hold a strong commitment to independent reporting could potentially succumb to the pressures of conforming to competitive authoritarian regimes, as they strive to steer clear from appearing partisan when all coverage outside the stipulated narrative is deemed an act of opposition.
In a broader sense, the language used in the public discourse significantly influences the perception of the ruling parties. The citizens’ collective response to the actions of leaders plays a pivotal role in maintaining a balance between a truly democratic society and an increasingly repressive system where leaders curtail voices, rights, and the wishes of the individuals they govern.
The post A Deeper Look into Dictatorial Practices in Modern Politics appeared first on Real News Now.
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