By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Brendan Nyhan, a Dartmouth College professor, contends that the United States is transitioning towards authoritarianism, with possible fascist elements. He argues that insufficient opposition from institutions like the Supreme Court and Congress has bolstered Trump’s power, mirroring patterns seen in other countries with slower authoritarian takeovers. Nyhan urges scholars and journalists to actively voice concerns about Trump, despite potential accusations of partisanship, and he worries that divisions among Democrats could weaken resistance efforts, especially given the Republican Party’s consolidation around the president.
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Scholars Say America Under Trump Is Authoritarian, Not Democratic. The idea that America under Donald Trump has veered towards authoritarianism, rather than remaining a functioning democracy, isn’t exactly breaking news. Many observers, far beyond the academic world, have noted the same shift. The initial reaction often seems to be, “Well, duh!” as if we’re all being told the sky is blue. The obvious nature of the situation doesn’t diminish its importance, though. It just underscores the pervasiveness of the changes and how they’re impacting the country.
Scholars Say America Under Trump Is Authoritarian, Not Democratic. The question isn’t whether or not the scholars are right. The more pressing concern is what to do about it. The focus should be on action and solidarity, rather than getting bogged down in arguments about specifics. There’s a shared understanding that the current political climate is far from ideal. It’s time to set aside quibbles and unite in the face of what many perceive as a significant threat to the democratic process. The situation demands a concerted effort to safeguard the principles of democracy.
Scholars Say America Under Trump Is Authoritarian, Not Democratic. The discussion is often framed as an on/off switch, but democracy is more of a spectrum. It is not a state that’s ever fully achieved or definitively lost. The erosion of democratic norms is a gradual process, marked by incremental changes that, over time, can significantly alter the political landscape. Visual cues, such as the presence of military forces in cities, can be seen as a potential indicator of the shift away from a democratic framework.
Scholars Say America Under Trump Is Authoritarian, Not Democratic. It’s telling that the confirmations of America’s democratic decline is not really news. There is a real sense of a “no shit, Sherlock” phenomenon at play here. The evidence seems to be everywhere: the actions, the rhetoric, and the policies that have been implemented. These are visible and audible signs of a drift away from the fundamental principles of democracy. One might well ask, what gave it away? The constant erosion of democratic values, such as the disregard for truth, the demonization of political opponents, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few.
Scholars Say America Under Trump Is Authoritarian, Not Democratic. The comparison to historical events is often invoked as well, particularly the rise of authoritarian regimes. History offers a stark reminder of the consequences of division and inaction. Just as the fragmented political landscape of pre-Hitler Germany contributed to the Nazi ascent, the divisions within America today pose a risk. Unity and a collective defense of democratic principles are critical.
Scholars Say America Under Trump Is Authoritarian, Not Democratic. It’s clear the mechanisms of democracy have been, to put it mildly, undermined. The Supreme Court, gerrymandering, voter suppression, and other practices have created barriers. The very foundation upon which a truly democratic system rests has been shaken. It raises the question: How much further can these shifts go before the system becomes unrecognizable?
Scholars Say America Under Trump Is Authoritarian, Not Democratic. The fact that this observation is being made, whether by scholars, or the person on the street, doesn’t make it any less relevant. These are not just academic debates; they are reflections of a reality that affects everyone. Recognizing the warning signs is essential.
Scholars Say America Under Trump Is Authoritarian, Not Democratic. Finally, the focus is on the people, and their role in shaping the future. Ultimately, a government that becomes destructive of people’s rights can, and in a democratic society, should be altered or abolished.