Up First from NPR Is America becoming an autocracy?
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May 18, 2025 
Frank Langfitt, NPR's roving national correspondent with extensive experience reporting from autocratic regimes, discusses the unsettling shift in the U.S. towards authoritarianism. He shares insights from scholars and individuals who fled oppressive countries, drawing parallels between the Trump era's tactics and repression abroad. The conversation highlights the erosion of democratic norms, the subtlety of autocracy, and the resilience of those fighting for democracy in America, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and combating these trends.
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US Democracy Slipping Fast
- Hundreds of U.S. scholars say America is sliding toward authoritarianism, moving away from liberal democracy.
- Surveys rate U.S. democracy at its lowest ever, reflecting deep concern among political scientists.
Student Detention Spurs Fear
- A Turkish student was detained by U.S. homeland security in a manner resembling an abduction, sparking fear in fellow immigrants.
- Scholars from authoritarian countries see similar tactics reminding them of home, raising concerns about risks here.
What Is Competitive Authoritarianism?
- Competitive authoritarianism features democratic elections but skewed to consolidate executive power.
- Leaders pack key institutions with loyalists, suppress critics, and tilt elections to maintain control while preserving a facade of democracy.