

Lawfare Archive: The Authoritarian Playbook in 2025
Mar 2, 2025
Geneviève Nadeau and Erica Newland, authors of the Authoritarian Playbook for 2025 report, unpack crucial threats to American democracy. They highlight historical tactics used by authoritarians and the potential implications of a second-term Trump presidency. The discussion includes strategies to combat evolving political dangers and emphasizes the importance of uniting pro-democracy coalitions. With insights on political accountability and safeguarding democratic norms, Nadeau and Newland call for vigilance and proactive measures against rising authoritarianism.
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Authoritarian Playbook's Purpose
- The "Authoritarian Playbook" explains tactics authoritarians use to seize power.
- It helps distinguish abnormal political behavior from normal politics.
2025 Playbook's Focus
- The 2025 Playbook analyzes Trump's promises, situating them within current legal and institutional frameworks.
- It offers recommendations for protecting democracy against authoritarianism.
Increased Threat Level
- Trump's potential threat to democracy is now clearer due to his past actions.
- His allies are better organized and the public is more fatigued, increasing the risk.