The Authoritarian Playbook: Recognizing Threats to Democracy

The erosion of democratic norms and institutions often occurs gradually rather than through sudden coups. Understanding the tactics used by aspiring authoritarians is crucial for preserving democracy. This post outlines seven key strategies employed in the modern authoritarian playbook.

Politicizing Independent Institutions

Authoritarians seek to capture and control institutions that are meant to operate independently, such as law enforcement, central banks, and election administration. By undermining their autonomy, these institutions can be weaponized against opponents or used to shield leaders from accountability.

Spreading Disinformation

While political spin is common, authoritarians take it to another level by propagating falsehoods through coordinated networks. This serves to cripple opponents, shore up support, and create confusion that insulates leaders from scrutiny

Aggrandizing Executive Power

Authoritarian projects require weakening checks and balances. This may involve rewriting rules to strengthen executive authority or stacking other branches of government with compliant allies.

Quashing Dissent

Strong democracies have robust opposition and independent media. Authoritarians work to silence these voices through various means, including economic pressure, legal threats, and delegitimizing critical coverage

Scapegoating Vulnerable Communities

By targeting minority groups, authoritarians sow division and attempt to establish a broader mandate despite potentially having only plurality support. This tactic exploits existing social tensions

Corrupting Elections

Modern authoritarians often maintain the facade of elections while tilting the rules in their favor. This can involve voter suppression, biased administration, or even overturning results

Stoking Violence

Many autocrats deliberately ignore or actively encourage political violence. This creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity that can be exploited

.Recognizing these tactics is essential for journalists, policymakers, and citizens alike. By understanding the authoritarian playbook, we can better distinguish between normal political maneuvering and genuine threats to democratic governance. Vigilance and informed reporting are key to preserving the foundations of democracy in the face of creeping authoritarianism.

Source: https://protectdemocracy.org/work/the-authoritarian-playbook/