1A 'If You Can Keep It': Competitive Authoritarianism 101
Feb 24, 2025
Stephen Levitsky, a Harvard government professor and senior fellow for democracy, dives into the alarming dynamics of competitive authoritarianism in the U.S. He discusses the Trump administration's erosion of democratic norms, such as pardoning January 6th rioters and threats to civil liberties. The conversation highlights how political polarization undermines democracy, the role of political parties in this shift, and the importance of civic engagement. Levitsky urges vigilance against authoritarian tendencies while drawing parallels to historical precedents.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Failing Democracy Standards
- The U.S. is surpassing the standard criteria for liberal democracy.
- This standard includes free opposition operation, respect for civil liberties, and fair elections.
Democratic Breakdown
- Public support for leaders isn't the issue in democratic breakdown.
- The issue is whether the opposition can operate freely and democratically.
Trump's Authoritarian Intentions
- Trump's past behavior and campaign promises indicated authoritarian intentions.
- His stated plans included weaponizing the Justice Department against rivals.