What would you do if democracy was being dismantled before your eyes? Whatever you're doing right now | Andy Beckett

If your democracy is literally crumbling before your eyes, what would you do? For many of us living in Western countries, this has long been an intellectual exercise, one that's largely been relegated to the dustbin of history. The authoritarian regimes of yesteryear seemed far removed from our contemporary reality. How could it be possible for a free and pluralistic society like ours to succumb to such darkness?

But that was then, not now. Populism is spreading its wings across the globe – in countries that were once considered liberal democracies, like Italy, France, Indonesia, and even Hungary. The most significant example of all, however, is the United States under Donald Trump's presidency.

Trump's regime is a textbook case study on how democracy can be dismantled. His purges of immigrants, centralization of power, suppression of dissent, rewarding of loyal oligarchs, and contempt for truth and the law are not unique to him alone. Governments that claim to offer alternatives to populism, like Keir Starmer's, are increasingly exhibiting similar traits.

What's striking about Trump's presidency is its uneven impact across different groups and individuals. The domestic effects of his regime are complex and often disturbing, particularly in California, where he has most aggressively intervened against liberal values and multiculturalism. In Los Angeles' Boyle Heights neighborhood, for instance, fear of arrest, detention, and deportation has kept many people indoors, away from public spaces.

Yet, in the neighboring arts district of downtown LA, a gentrified grid of former warehouses and factories is thriving. The bakeries, cafes, and fashionably dressed clusters of white people chatting over pricey iced coffees and artisanal sandwiches are going about their lives as usual – seemingly impervious to Trump's regime.

This dichotomy highlights the complex patterns of response to authoritarianism in the US. While some individuals may be jaded and disengaged, others, like those at a recent No Kings protest in Beverly Hills, are finding new ways to engage with politics, even if it means confronting their fears.

However, this phenomenon is not unique to the US. In San Francisco, for instance, there's an air of contempt towards Trump and his circle – a sense that they're a malignant fact of life, something to be accepted or coped with rather than resisted. This apathy can be seen as a coping mechanism, but it's a response that ultimately fails to halt the momentum of populism.

What's concerning is that Trump's regime seems to be moving forward relentlessly, undeterred by opposition. The possibility of sending troops or federal agents to San Francisco remains, despite being ridiculed by locals who point out the city's beauty and quality of life.

In countries dominated by autocratic populism and digital media, propaganda often triumphs over facts. Trump may have called off his San Francisco invasion, but the threat remains – a crude yet effective TV cliffhanger that can captivate audiences.

The challenge for democracy's opponents is clear: create an equally relentless and compelling movement to stand up against populism's showmanship and drama. Reform UK's promise of deconstruction and politicisation of Whitehall may fail or disappoint, but it makes the political weather nonetheless. Unless populism's opponents draw in more victims of its policies and scares them into silence, this age of autocrats will continue.

The US example shows us that sporadic resistance, contempt, and avoidance are not enough to halt the erosion of democracy. A sustained and compelling movement is required – one that can engage with the complexities of populism and offer a better alternative for those who feel marginalized or disenfranchised.

I think the thing that's really scary about what's happening in the US is how normal it's become to live with this kind of authoritarianism . Like, you can be walking down the street and people will be saying things out loud that are basically hate speech , but nobody's doing anything about it. And at the same time, there are these super polished and well-funded social media platforms that are just churning out propaganda 24/7 .

And I think what's even more concerning is how people are kind of tuning in to this stuff . Like, they're not actively trying to resist or anything, they're just kinda... existing in this bubble where everything is normalized and nobody's holding them accountable .

It feels like we're at a point where democracy isn't really an option anymore . We need to start building these movements that can counter the populism and authoritarianism with some real substance and engagement . Otherwise, I'm worried that we're going to lose this whole thing

omg this is like so true i mean, have you seen the state of california lately? it's like two worlds coexisting - wealthy elitist areas that don't give a care about trump's policies and neighborhoods where ppl are literally living in fear meanwhile there's a gentrification going on and ppl are making bank from it...and we're supposed to just be all chill about it? no thanks, i'd rather see some real resistance

omg like i cant even lol Trump's presidency is literally crumbling our whole democracy i mean what would u do in this situation??? it feels like ppl r getting jaded nd disengaged like wht's the point of even trying rn? but then theres these ppl who r still finding ways 2 engage w/ politics like at that No Kings protest in Beverly Hills thats so inspiring! but seriously though, i think we need 2 create a movement that can stand up against populism's showmanship nd drama we cant just sit back nd let them dictate our reality anymore

It's wild how far we've come in just a few decades . I mean, Trump's America is like something out of a dystopian novel. The way he's systematically dismantling the very fabric of democracy? Unbelievable. And you're right, the US is not an isolated case - populism is spreading its wings everywhere.

I'm not sure what's more alarming, though - the fact that we're witnessing this collapse or the fact that so many people seem to be turning a blind eye. It's like we've become desensitized to the erosion of our values and institutions .

But here's the thing: it's not too late. We can still organize, mobilize, and demand change. We just need to find a way to connect with people who are feeling left behind or disenfranchised. It's time for us to take action and show the world what we're made of .

And let's be real - it's not going to be easy. There will be pushback, there will be resistance, and there will be those who try to silence us. But we can't let that stop us . We need to keep pushing forward, no matter what.

I mean, it's crazy how quickly things can spiral out of control when you're not paying attention. I've been saying this for ages - populism is like a virus , once it infects the system, it's hard to eradicate. The thing that bothers me most is that even in liberal democracies, people are becoming increasingly apathetic , which just gives those in power more room to operate.

I'm not saying we should give up hope entirely , but we need to take a step back and think about what's driving this trend. Is it the economy? Social media? The feeling of being left behind? Whatever it is, we need to find ways to address those underlying issues if we want to create meaningful change.

The US example is pretty eye-opening - I mean, who would've thought that a country founded on the principles of freedom and democracy could end up embracing authoritarianism so wholeheartedly? But at the same time, it's also inspiring to see how people are still finding ways to resist and push back against those in power .

The thing is, we can't just sit around waiting for someone else to take action - we need to start taking small steps ourselves. Whether that means supporting grassroots movements or engaging with politicians who share our values, every bit counts . We just have to be willing to put in the work and make some noise if we want to create a better future

I'm worried about what's happening in the US ️. It seems like they're watching themselves slip away from being a free country . Trump's actions are a perfect example of how fast things can change when power is concentrated .

In one part of the city, people are living their lives as usual ️, while in another, fear and uncertainty have taken over . This dichotomy highlights the complex issues that need to be addressed .

Populism is spreading its wings globally , and it's essential for those who value democracy to find a way to counter it . We can't just sit back and watch as our values are dismantled .

A sustained movement is needed to take on populism and offer a better alternative . We need to engage with the complexities of this issue and make people feel heard . If we don't, the consequences will be severe .

I mean, come on, this dude Trump's got some serious screws loose . Populism's spreading like wildfire worldwide and our so-called liberal democracies are just standing by and watching it burn . What's wrong with us? Can't we see that this is a clear threat to our way of life?

And don't even get me started on the lack of resistance from our leaders . I mean, sure, there are some brave souls out there who are fighting back, but it's just not enough . We need a movement that can actually challenge populism and offer something better than empty rhetoric and drama .

I'm not buying into the idea that we just have to accept this new world order . I think we can do better than that. We need to start speaking truth to power, demanding real change from our leaders, and supporting each other in the face of adversity .

It's time for us to take a stand against populism and fight for what we believe in . Let's not be bystanders anymore . The future of our democracy depends on it .