Civics 101
What is authoritarianism?
Dec 10, 2024
Join Anne Applebaum, a Staff writer for The Atlantic and a historian, as she delves into the multifaceted world of authoritarianism. She breaks down the characteristics of autocratic regimes and discusses how they erode individual rights and manipulate laws. Applebaum highlights the alarming shift toward autocracy in the U.S., emphasizing the need for civic engagement to combat modern propaganda. The conversation touches on the influence of technology and the dangers of polarizing political rhetoric that threaten democracy.
29:00
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Quick takeaways
- Authoritarianism erodes democratic norms by undermining checks and balances, disenfranchising citizens, and manipulating political language to delegitimize opposition.
- Active citizen engagement is essential for democracy's survival, as disengaged populations pave the way for the rise of authoritarian regimes.
Deep dives
Defining Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism is characterized as a political system where one person, a small group, or a single political party rules without checks and balances. In such systems, independent courts, media, and legitimate opposition are absent, allowing leadership to operate under 'rule by law', where the law is defined by the rulers. Individuals lack guaranteed rights, such as freedom of speech, and have no legitimate means to contest power or effect governmental change. The discussion emphasizes that while various forms of autocracies exist, they share common traits that restrict citizens' rights and limit their ability to challenge authority.
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