What Comes After Democratic Breakdown. By Steven Levitsky and Lucan A. Way, February 11, 2025
https://reader.foreignaffairs.com/2025/02/11/the-path-to-american-authoritarianism/content.html
Summary of “The Path to American Authoritarianism”
(full transparency: ChatGPT used here to quickly summarize & create the keypoints.)
“The Path to American Authoritarianism” by Steven Levitsky and Lucan A. Way, published in Foreign Affairs, addresses the concerning trajectory of democratic breakdown in the United States, particularly following Donald Trump’s re-election. The authors argue that the U.S. is sliding into a form of government they describe as competitive authoritarianism, where formal democratic structures exist but are undermined by the incumbent’s manipulation and abuse of power.
Initially, the article outlines how the U.S. political climate has evolved, particularly noting how the indifference toward Trump’s authoritarian tendencies has grown despite previous alarms. It details Trump’s first presidency, marked by constitutional challenges and a lack of accountability for actions that would typically be deemed undemocratic, such as attempts to overturn election results.
In the main analysis, Levitsky and Way forecast a grim future where Trump’s control over the Republican Party and the subsequent purging of dissent within the party could lead to further democratic erosion. They describe competitive authoritarianism as a regime where the playing field is uneven, incumbents have undue advantages, and while elections occur, they are not “free and fair.”
Further, the authors discuss the potential consequences of such governance, including the use of state machinery to harass and undermine political opponents and critical media, thereby incentivizing self-censorship and diminishing active opposition. They mention historical precedents and compare them with current tactics that may be employed to consolidate power.
Despite these challenges, Levitsky and Way conclude that all is not lost. They suggest that the U.S.’s strong institutions and civil society might resist the slide into full-blown authoritarianism. They call for vigilance and active participation from democratic forces to prevent a complete democratic breakdown.
Five Key Points
- Shift to Competitive Authoritarianism: The U.S. faces a potential transition to a competitive authoritarian regime, characterized by the appearance of democratic norms but significant manipulation and power abuse by the ruling party.
- Trump’s Control Over GOP: Trump’s consolidation of power within the Republican Party and his intent to govern without opposition signify a severe threat to democratic principles.
- Use of State Machinery: The article highlights how the state could be weaponized against political opponents and dissenters, transforming state resources into tools of political repression.
- Impact on Society and Opposition: The potential for increased surveillance, harassment, and legal challenges against Trump’s critics could lead to reduced active opposition, as individuals and organizations might choose self-preservation over confrontation.
- Possibilities for Resistance: Despite the authoritarian drift, the U.S. retains robust democratic institutions and an active civil society that could resist and potentially revert the course toward authoritarianism.
