Lawfare Archive: Charles Dunst on Defeating the Dictators
Mar 23, 2025
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Charles Dunst, a former journalist and deputy director of research at The Asia Group, discusses strategies to strengthen democracies in the face of rising authoritarianism. He emphasizes the significance of Singapore as a case study for effective governance while warning against blind admiration for autocratic efficiency. Dunst highlights the importance of investing in public goods and embracing immigration to compete with autocracies. He also explores the interconnectedness of domestic health and foreign policy, stressing that internal challenges can weaken global responses to authoritarian threats.
The rise of authoritarianism poses a significant threat to global democracies, highlighting a crisis of confidence among citizens in traditional political systems.
Singapore's governance model, emphasizing human capital investment over natural resources, showcases both effective governance and the challenges of political freedoms in autocratic states.
Strengthening democratic institutions through accountability and effective infrastructure is crucial for maintaining public trust and competing against the appeal of authoritarian regimes.
Deep dives
The Rise of Authoritarianism and the Crisis of Democracy
The discussion highlights the emergence of authoritarianism as a serious threat to democracy globally. Many democracies, including the United States, are witnessing a crisis of confidence, as illustrated by the public's growing disenchantment with traditional political structures. This has raised alarms about the potential shift towards authoritarian governance, driven by the disillusionment of citizens with their current political systems. Moreover, the episode explores how this trend towards autocracy is often complemented by an increasing appeal for more effective governance, particularly from the perspectives of those living in developing nations.
Case Study: Singapore as a Model
Singapore is examined as a significant case study in the ongoing dialogue on effective governance and the appeal of autocracy. Unlike many resource-rich autocratic states, Singapore has achieved commendable economic growth through investment in human capital rather than relying on natural resources. This model serves as a source of inspiration for other nations, where leaders from countries such as the Philippines express admiration for Singapore's governance. However, the discussion also acknowledges the limitations of Singapore's model, particularly concerning political freedoms and the implications for citizens' rights.
Strengthening Democratic Institutions
The episode emphasizes the importance of strengthening democratic institutions as a countermeasure against the rise of authoritarianism. Enhancing accountability through the rule of law and effective governance can help cultivate public trust and dispel the appeal of autocratic leaders. The discussion draws attention to the necessary policies and reforms needed to protect democratic values, such as combatting corruption and ensuring transparency in government. Additionally, addressing these institutional deficiencies is vital to maintaining the integrity of democratic structures and preventing a slide into authoritarianism.
Investment in Infrastructure and Public Goods
Investment in infrastructure is underscored as a critical area where democracies must perform well to rival autocratic efficiency. Effective infrastructure not only drives long-term economic growth but also enhances public satisfaction with government performance. By improving public goods, democracies can boost their appeal and serve as viable models of governance, regardless of the challenges posed by competing autocratic regimes. Moreover, maintaining a forward-looking infrastructure strategy is essential to address both current needs and future demands, particularly in technology and connectivity.
Immigration as an Advantage for Democracies
Immigration policy is positioned as a crucial advantage democracies hold over autocracies, particularly in maintaining a robust workforce and addressing demographic challenges. A more open immigration approach can attract talent and drive economic growth, fostering a diverse and dynamic society. The episode discusses how, unlike autocracies, democracies are often viewed favorably by potential migrants seeking better opportunities, reinforcing the notion that positive immigration policies can bolster democracy's vitality. Effective immigration strategies not only address labor shortages but also help sustain the democratic model by instilling diverse perspectives and innovation.
From March 21, 2023: By many accounts, the United States is living through a new era of competition—not just between major powers and strategic rivals, but between ideologies. Around the world, many authoritarian governments seem to be on the rise, even as many liberal democracies are facing a crisis of confidence, including, by some accounts, here in the United States.
In a new book entitled, “Defeating the Dictators,” Charles Dunst, a former journalist and current deputy director of research and analytics at The Asia Group, lays out what he sees as the right strategy for making democracies more effective and defeating the appeal of authoritarian government. Lawfare Senior Editor Scott R. Anderson sat down with him to discuss his new book, the importance he places on Singapore as a case study, and how the domestic remedies he focuses on translate into foreign policy.
