In early 2018, a notable shift in the literary landscape occurred with the rise of anti-Trump sentiment, reflected in best-selling books such as “Trumpocracy: The Corruption of the American Republic” and “It’s Even Worse Than You Think: What the Trump Administration Is Doing to America.”
These publications captured the intense feelings of both opponents and supporters of Donald Trump, polarizing responses that were familiar in the public discourse around his presidency.
Among the publications, “How Democracies Die,” penned by Harvard political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, stood out as it addressed a wider, more global crisis of democratic integrity beyond just the realm of American politics.
This book emerged as a touchstone of political discussion, with influential figures such as Joe Biden reportedly carrying it with him, indicating its impact on political thought, even as its core arguments risked being diluted in public conversation.
As Trump’s presidency unfolded, a peculiar sense of normalcy accompanied the chaos he provoked—from controversial statements to personal gains for his family amid a health crisis.
Despite the upheaval, average Americans witnessed a functioning democratic system that seemed, at least superficially, unaffected; the sun rose and set over the nation as they struggled to define what a failing democracy might look like.
When Trump announced another run for presidency in 2024, the tone escalated. His promises of retribution and a crackdown on dissent raised alarms among critics, yet many observers thought labeling him a fascist only amplified his allure.
J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate, encapsulated the sentiment that demonizing political opponents could backfire, as he suggested such rhetoric only served to deepen divisions without acknowledging the complex realities of the American political landscape.
Amidst similar patterns in political rhetoric globally, Levitsky and Ziblatt’s work specifically addressed what political scientists termed “democratic backsliding,” contrasting it with historical examples of abrupt democratic collapses in various regions.
Their observations of nations that once prided themselves on newfound liberal democracies—Turkey, India, Poland, and Brazil—illustrate a worrying trend where elements of democracy are under siege, often through legal and bureaucratic means rather than outright violence.
Notably, examining Trump’s administration reveals a complex intertwining of aggressive autocratic impulses and a veneer of legality, causing confusion over what constitutes genuine democratic governance.
In his second term, Trump’s administration employed tactics that oscillated between blunt coercion and subtle manipulation, leaving citizens perplexed about the implications of their actions for the future of democracy.
His administration’s actions included controversial executive orders targeting individuals and institutions, diminishing the principles of due process in a way that drew comparisons to authoritarian regimes, particularly Orbán’s Hungary.
Levitsky and Ziblatt point to Hungary’s Viktor Orbán as a prime example of how a leader can leverage legal frameworks to consolidate power, reinforcing the portrayal of Orbán as a more modest authoritarian rather than a totalitarian.
Observers noted that under Orbán, the Hungarian educational system became politically infiltrated, demonstrated through actions against Central European University, a prestigious institution founded by George Soros.
As C.E.U. was targeted through legal means, it highlighted vulnerability of academia under increasingly hostile regimes where dissenting opinions were systematically suppressed.
Among the unsung repercussions were the subtle but profound impacts on civil society and public discourse.
Amidst discussions of political ideology and authoritarianism, the story of Central European University foreshadowed a chilling effect on academic freedom and the broader implications for democracy in Hungary and beyond.
Beyond concerns for universities, broad governmental strategies employed to silence independent media organizations illustrated a further erosion of democratic fundamentals.
As Gábor Miklósi of Partizán reflected on his experience in Hungary’s shifting media landscape, he observed first-hand how independent journalism became increasingly marginalized, reinforcing the need for advocacy in the face of overwhelming odds.
Partizán has emerged as a vital media outlet amid the compromised broader landscape of news in Hungary, demonstrating resilience in maintaining the spirit of critique and accountability.
A contemporary analysis reveals similar trends emerging within the U.S. political landscape, with media outlets becoming more susceptible to intimidation and manipulation again spurred by authoritarian messaging.
As American expressions of dissent encounter increasing scrutiny and risk of retribution under Trump’s administration, the situation shares unsettling parallels with authoritarian tendencies observed abroad.
Political and academic figures express fears that the erosion of civil liberties and constitutional norms is possible, urging vigilance and engagement to preserve democratic institutions.
Ultimately, the narrative illustrates a complex tapestry of political maneuvering across nations as leaders employ various strategies to entrench their authority within the bounds of legality.
Although democracy appears resilient, the underlying dynamics merit close scrutiny as citizens grapple with the implications of their leaders’ actions on the principles of governance.
As Levitsky concluded regarding the importance of public engagement in maintaining democratic vitality, the struggle against authoritarianism requires a collective commitment to preserving democratic values.
Thus, as both American democracy and international leadership strategies evolve, continuous reflection on the quality of global governance becomes paramount, underlining a collective responsibility to advocate for democratic integrity.
In conclusion, the global phenomena observed through the lens of Trump’s presidency provides critical insights into the fragile state of democracies worldwide, affirming that vigilance and active participation remain essential for the survival of democratic principles.
image source from：https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/05/05/is-the-us-becoming-an-autocracy
