Navigating Competitive Authoritarianism

This chapter explores competitive authoritarianism, focusing on how elected leaders may erode democratic norms while maintaining an appearance of legitimacy. It highlights the politicization of U.S. governmental agencies, using historical and contemporary examples, particularly during the Trump administration, to illustrate the dynamics of democratic backsliding. Additionally, it examines the implications for institutions like Harvard University, emphasizing the tension between government demands for viewpoint diversity and academic freedom.