Hi, authoritarianism scholar here! To answer your question, no, these are terrible choices to make if one wanted to consolidate an authoritarian regime. In fact, I'd go so far as to say these choices are based on the flawed logic that enough repression will cause people to give up and stop... (1/n)
Definitely. What my paranoia forces me to ask, "Are these bad political choices but good consolidating authoritarian choices?"
Because the media, as it has been lubricated for fascists' pleasure, is in the business of rewarding authoritarianism.
engaging in politics. This is disproven by the historical record, particularly in countries with a (recent) democratic past. The only reason the Trump administration believes this to be true is because so many elite institutions capitulated the moment pressure was applied.
Jan 25, 2026 15:55To put an even sharper point on this, WE are the thing that stops authoritarianism from consolidating! The Trump administration's tactics only work if we get scared enough to stop protesting, stop voting, and disengage entirely. They can only win the game if we forfeit.
