From democracy to dictatorship and back again—how freedom falls and tyranny takes hold

Nov 19, 2025

In this discussion, Dr. James Loxton, a senior lecturer in political science at the University of Sydney and author of *Authoritarianism: A Very Short Introduction*, explores the precarious balance between democracy and dictatorship. He highlights the warning signs of democratic decline, the allure of charismatic leaders, and the dynamics of anti-democratic sentiments. With insights from his experiences in Latin America and a comparison of political systems, Loxton examines how countries can slide into authoritarianism and the factors that influence this global trend.

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INSIGHT

Democratic Recession Is Real

Democracies around the world are showing signs of a "democratic recession" since the optimistic 1990s.
James Loxton argues this reversal means democracy is fragile and can erode surprisingly quickly.

ANECDOTE

Pinochet's Polarised Legacy In Chile

While living in Santiago, Loxton saw both celebration and mourning when Pinochet died in 2006.
He found significant Chilean support for Pinochet despite widespread human rights abuses.

ADVICE

Look For Authoritarian Red Flags

Watch for leaders who endorse violence, refuse to accept election results, or threaten civil liberties.
Levitsky and Ziblatt's litmus test helps identify politicians who could destroy democracy if elected.

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Dr James Loxton on how modern democracies can crumble as authoritarian regimes take hold, but also how freedom and democracy can rise again, from the Americas to Europe and into Asia.

James grew up in stable Canada, where he spent his summers herding sheep in the middle of forest plantations.

As a teenager, he hatched a plan to escape his "rough as guts" bush town and the life of a shepherd, moving to India on his own to finish high school.

At an international school in Maharashtra, James' classmates taught him about the world outside of democratic Canada, and he became fascinated by military dictatorships and guerilla insurgencies.

Later on, years of living in Latin America showed him firsthand how dictators operated, how they are feared and hated, but also revered and loved by some of the people they control.

Now James, and many other political scientists, have their eyes turned to America, watching closely to see how the world's most powerful democracy is changing right before their eyes.

Authoritarianism: A Very Short Introduction is published by Oxford University Press.

This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison.

It explores Donald Trump, Putin, USA, regime, dictators, ICE, Clinton, Epstein, politics, democracy, Chilean presidential election, Russia, China, Taiwan, Philippines, government, globalisation, Latin American politics, Whitlam, dismissal, divisive politics, left versus right, parliamentary versus presidential forms of government, united kingdom, British colonies, Javier Milei, Venezuela, Argentina, Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, Hugo Chavez, Maduro, elitism, drain the swamp, populism, power for the people, tariffs, Peru, Cuba, straw man, Stalin, Hitler, competitive authoritarianism, substance abuse, addiction, alcoholism, alcoholic mothers, homelessness, losing a mother.

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