The rise of Authoritarian rule around the world is a major global concern, with profound consequences for human life. It is often fueled by citizens seeking alternatives to democratic institutions when these are no longer able to make people feel as though their voices are heard, and when elites appear too detached from society. These citizens search for leaders who promise to directly and rapidly solve their problems, thus creating a context for the rise of populist authoritarian regimes.
Once in power, autocrats frequently use a range of tools to erode democracy, including curtailing civil liberties, fomenting mistrust and fear in the population, spreading lies, and dismantling checks and balances. They also may employ “constitutional hardball” — stacking legislatures and courts with lackeys and pushing the boundaries of existing laws. They cite a cult of personality and denigrate the merits of pluralism as rationale for expanding executive power.
They can also stoke violence to advance their efforts in other areas of their playbook, such as quashing dissent and suppressing opposition turnout. In addition, they may also use the threat of a “national emergency” to seize broader powers and circumvent democratic institutions. While these tactics create a favorable international environment for them, they also exacerbate feelings of insecurity and fuel social divisions that undermine democratic stability.