On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti Trump, authoritarianism and what Americans think makes a good leader
Jan 1, 1970
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian and expert on authoritarianism from NYU, dives deep into the troubling patterns of strongman politics. She connects the dots between historical figures like Mussolini and Trump, exploring how weakened democracies create ripe conditions for authoritarian leaders. The conversation reveals the psychological tactics that unify supporters and the significant role of far-right media in shaping voter perceptions. Ben-Ghiat emphasizes the urgent need for dialogue in America’s polarized landscape to bridge divides and promote understanding.
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Trump's Conditioning
- Trump conditioned Americans to view democracy as inferior to strongman rule.
- He accomplished this through repeated messaging, despite his sometimes clownish demeanor.
Economic Concerns and Media Influence
- Many Trump voters focused on everyday economic concerns like the price of eggs and gas.
- Right-wing media led them to believe the economy was failing despite job growth under Biden.
Conditions for Strongmen
- Strongmen rise when societies experience disruption and progress in areas like workers' rights and equality.
- This leads to a sense of loss among certain groups, who then seek authoritarian solutions.
