A Trumpian Future: Navigating the Shadows of Autocracy

Currently, I will use the term “shadows.” Some might find that term too soft, and others may find it hyperbolic. If we are intellectually honest and compare some of DJT’s words and actions to other modern POTUS, a case can be made that he is dipping his toes in the waters of an Autocratic Leader. Some will argue he’s fully in the pool, and others claim he’s not even in the pool house; time will tell. Regardless, it’s worth understanding the tendencies of Autocracy and Tyranny as we enter the next four years to see how deep into those waters we get. Maybe we stay dry, and maybe we end up requiring a towel and a change of clothes.

Podcast

The following “Podcast” was generated by NotebookLM summarizing five sources
On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder
Strongmen Mussolini to the Present by Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Surviving Autocracy by Masha Gessen
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
New York Times Article Is It Fascism? A Leading Historian Changes His Mind

Here is a link to a zip file that contains all the resources in EPUB, MOBI, and PDF formats.

Summary of Tyranny and Autocracy from Four Sources

by Ibram Kendi, Timothy Snyder,Ruth Ben-Ghiat, and Masha Gessen

Defining Autocracy and Tyranny

Autocracy is a system of government where one person holds absolute power.
Tyranny, often used interchangeably with autocracy, has a more negative connotation, implying the ruler is cruel oppressive, and prioritizes their interests over the people they govern.

Examples of Trump’s Tyrannical and Autocratic Behavior

Undermining Truth and Attacking the Media: Trump consistently labeled any news he disliked as “fake news,” echoing tactics used by Hitler and the Nazis. This assault on truth aimed to erode trust in established sources of information and replace it with his narrative. He vilified journalists, calling them “enemies of the people,” and threatened to imprison reporters who refused to reveal their sources, mirroring the actions of dictators like Mussolini and Putin.
Cultivating Relationships with Authoritarian Leaders: Trump expressed admiration for foreign dictators like Kim Jong Un, Bashar al-Assad, and Vladimir Putin. This, combined with his attempts to solicit foreign interference in American elections, raises concerns about his respect for democratic processes.
Eroding Democratic Norms and Institutions: Trump’s encouragement of civic violence to overturn the 2020 election results and his actions on January 6, 2021, when a mob stormed the Capitol, have been compared to historical fascist movements. This disregard for democratic norms was a key factor in historian Robert Paxton’s decision to label Trump a fascist.
Using Executive Power to Silence Critics and Reward Loyalists: Trump fired officials who displayed insufficient “loyalty,” prioritizing blind obedience over competence and ethical conduct. He surrounded himself with family members and loyalists, many with ties to criminals, creating an inner circle shielded from consequences while subordinates faced prosecution.
Promoting a Culture of Fear and Division: Trump consistently employed divisive rhetoric, exploiting existing societal anxieties to consolidate his base. His language and policies targeted immigrants, people of color, and other marginalized groups, fueling fear and resentment.

Summarizing the Sources

“On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder

This book emphasizes the importance of truth and resisting cynicism. Citizens who investigate and uphold truth are essential for a healthy society.
Snyder cautions against admiring foreign dictators and stresses the importance of patriotism rooted in democratic principles.

“Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present” by Ruth Ben-Ghiat

Ben-Ghiat examines the tactics used by authoritarian leaders across history, identifying a recurring “authoritarian playbook” used to gain and maintain power.
This playbook includes propaganda, cultivating a hyper-masculine image, corruption, and violence to silence opposition.
Trump’s rise to power mirrors the tactics of past authoritarians.

“Surviving Autocracy” by Masha Gessen

Gessen argues that Trump’s presidency was an “autocratic attempt” that exploited weaknesses in American democracy.
Trump launched a war on words, undermining truth and creating a “mushy reality” where nothing was knowable.
He governed by gesture and tweet, prioritizing simple actions over complex policy solutions.
Trump’s rhetoric and policies aimed to redefine “us,” excluding immigrants, people of color, and other marginalized groups.

“How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi

While this source does not directly address Trump or his presidency, it provides a framework for understanding racism and its systemic nature, which is crucial for analyzing Trump’s rhetoric and policies.
Kendi argues that racism is not simply a matter of individual prejudice but a system of policies and ideas that create and maintain racial inequity.

Why These Sources Are Essential Now

Donald J. Trump’s victory in the 2024 election makes these four resources indispensable. They illuminate the patterns of autocratic behavior that Trump has exhibited and offer insights into how to resist his agenda.

Vigilance Against Normalization: Gessen warns against the normalization of Trump’s behavior. By understanding the tactics of autocrats, we can recognize and resist attempts to downplay the threat he poses.
Understanding the Power of Language: Snyder and Gessen highlight the importance of language in shaping reality. We must be vigilant in identifying and challenging Trump’s manipulation of language and his attempts to control the narrative.
Recognizing the Systemic Nature of Racism: Kendi’s framework for understanding racism helps us analyze how Trump’s rhetoric and policies perpetuate racial inequality. By recognizing the systemic nature of racism, we can more effectively combat its manifestations in Trump’s agenda.
Learning from Historical Parallels: Ben-Ghiat’s analysis of past strongmen provides valuable lessons for understanding Trump’s behavior and predicting his potential actions. By recognizing historical parallels, we can be better prepared to respond to his attempts to consolidate power.

These sources offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of a Trumpian future. They equip us with the knowledge and tools to recognize, resist, and ultimately overcome the threat of autocracy. The stakes are high; vigilance is not an option, it is a necessity.