The Conversation Weekly The Making of an Autocrat: manufacture a crisis
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Dec 28, 2025 Natasha Lindstaedt, a Professor of government at the University of Essex, dives into the art of crisis-manufacturing by autocrats like Trump. She explains how leaders exploit crises to consolidate power, rally support, and distract from scandals. Lindstaedt illustrates the use of scapegoats and historical examples, revealing how figures like Duterte and Erdogan have adopted similar tactics. Explore how these narratives shape public perception and enable emergency measures that bolster authoritarian rule.
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How Crises Fuel Autocratic Power
- Crises let autocrats mobilize support by portraying themselves as saviors who will restore order.
- They amplify existing social or economic anxieties and focus blame on a scapegoat to justify strong measures.
Scapegoating Converts Frustration Into Support
- Autocrats often select scapegoats like immigrants or minorities to channel public frustration.
- This tactic transforms diffuse economic or social discontent into targeted political support.
Historical Examples Of Manufactured Crises
- Natasha Lindstadt cites Rodrigo Duterte using a drug crisis to justify mass rights violations.
- She also references Turkey's 2016 coup aftermath as a pretext for purges.