With the 2020 presidential election on the horizon, many Americans are taking a moment to reflect on the type of country they want the United States to be. In recent years, authoritarianism has come to the forefront of the political conversation. While some people loathe the idea of an authoritarian leader, a lot of Americans embrace it, hoping that a strong-handed ruler will bring order, stability, and consistency to their lives.
Authoritarianism could take many forms inside the United States. It could involve such acts as limiting free speech or restricting the press. It could mean implementing dramatic restrictions on immigration. Whatever its ultimate form, those who embrace it hope that it will bring about some much-needed order in a time of great instability and dashed expectations.
It is no surprise, then, that Donald Trump has found a large constituency of people willing to back his candidacy. After decades of what many see as an increasingly disconnected Washington, Trump’s brash, law-and-order attitude has won him many supporters who believe that a more authoritarian cultural tone is the answer.
The problem, of course, is that any embrace of authoritarianism comes with risks. For example, the restrictions placed on citizens to ensure that there is no disruption to the government’s authority could be seen as a violation of civil rights. Or, authoritarianism could leave people without a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
But those risks should not be dismissed out of hand. There is a lot to be said for the balance and stability that authoritarianism can bring about. And, if properly managed, it could lead to a stronger and more prosperous United States for all.
Still, it would be wise to keep an eye on any regime that embraces authoritarianism, and it would be crucial to ensure basic rights and civil liberties remain intact. While a lot of Americans embrace authoritarianism with an eye towards newfound order, it is important to remember that it is a double-edged sword that must be used responsibly.
With the 2020 presidential election on the horizon, many Americans are taking a moment to reflect on the type of country they want the United States to be. In recent years, authoritarianism has come to the forefront of the political conversation. While some people loathe the idea of an authoritarian leader, a lot of Americans embrace it, hoping that a strong-handed ruler will bring order, stability, and consistency to their lives.
Authoritarianism could take many forms inside the United States. It could involve such acts as limiting free speech or restricting the press. It could mean implementing dramatic restrictions on immigration. Whatever its ultimate form, those who embrace it hope that it will bring about some much-needed order in a time of great instability and dashed expectations.
It is no surprise, then, that Donald Trump has found a large constituency of people willing to back his candidacy. After decades of what many see as an increasingly disconnected Washington, Trump’s brash, law-and-order attitude has won him many supporters who believe that a more authoritarian cultural tone is the answer.
The problem, of course, is that any embrace of authoritarianism comes with risks. For example, the restrictions placed on citizens to ensure that there is no disruption to the government’s authority could be seen as a violation of civil rights. Or, authoritarianism could leave people without a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
But those risks should not be dismissed out of hand. There is a lot to be said for the balance and stability that authoritarianism can bring about. And, if properly managed, it could lead to a stronger and more prosperous United States for all.
Still, it would be wise to keep an eye on any regime that embraces authoritarianism, and it would be crucial to ensure basic rights and civil liberties remain intact. While a lot of Americans embrace authoritarianism with an eye towards newfound order, it is important to remember that it is a double-edged sword that must be used responsibly.
