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.
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 
.
. 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 
.
. 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 
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 
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 
we cant just sit back nd let them dictate our reality anymore 
.
. We need to keep pushing forward, no matter what.
, 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.
, 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.
. We just have to be willing to put in the work and make some noise if we want to create a better future 
️. It seems like they're watching themselves slip away from being a free country 
.
️, while in another, fear and uncertainty have taken over 
, and it's essential for those who value democracy to find a way to counter it 
.
. We need to engage with the complexities of this issue and make people feel heard 
. If we don't, the consequences will be severe 
.
. 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?
. I mean, sure, there are some brave souls out there who are fighting back, but it's just not enough 
.