Authoritarianism Resurgent

The United States has come closer than ever to electing a populist, xenophobic, authoritarian President. But what receives less attention is the rising rejection of liberalism across the globe. This article will provide an admittedly brief examination of countries that appeared to be secure democracies, or transitioning into democracy, but have regressed into authoritarian government by will of the people.

It's surprising, that in the most free, equal, and prosperous of all regions, the European Union, a number of nations have elected sizable minorities or even majorities. The Great Recession of Europe and the current refugee crisis has sharpened the citizens dissatisfaction with the current regimes and led to a searching of alternatives: one of strong leadership and a dismissal of foreigners.

Poland, a liberal (in the correct meaning of the word) and democratic country since 1989 has fallen under the rule of the Law and Justice party, an authoritarian party. Since it acquired the position of President and Prime Minister it engaged in a number of actions of dubious validity. When Poland's analog of the Supreme Court ruled against it, PiS ignored the rulings. In one particularly egregious case, PiS refused to seat five justices that had been lawfully confirmed by the outgoing government. It would be as if Secretary Madison refused to swear in justices lawfully approved by the outgoing President Adams.

Furthermore, the Law and Justice Party passed legislation weakening the scope of the judicial branch. This is a common technique by the executive branch, operating with the support of a majority, to expand its power. Although Judaical branches can be the protectors of regressive doctrines, and unfavorable traditions, they are often the best protectors of minority opinions and rights. But by its action PiS has upended the crucial system of checks and balances necessary for a democratic country.

PiS also seized public broadcasting companies and placed their executives under the control of the Treasury Minister. Because of this and more, the European Union has begun an investigation into Poland. It threatened sanctions if Poland fails to operate by the three treaties of the Union, especially the Treaty of Lisbon which guarantees certain fundamental rights, including the right to an independent judiciary.

Hungary is another European Union nation that has reduced checks on the Executive branch. Led by Viktor Orban of the party Fidesz, it not only weakened the courts, but succeeded in introducing a new constitution after its landslide victory in 2011. The constitution reduced the influence of courts, delivered more power to the Prime Minister, and enshrined conservative Christianity. As prime minister Orban has limited speech and assembly, and led an anti-European Union and anti-immigrant push. He has stated that he is for illiberalism, the placing of the community as the center of the country, rather than the individual.

In other countries across Europe, authoritarians have failed to dominate, but there are a number of countries where they are a sizable and growing minority. This graphic by the New York Times, illustrates the ebb and flow of authoritarianism across Europe. Two countries of significance are Austria and France because of their importance in the European Union.

In Austria's recent presidential election, the two parties in power since the end of World War II were defeated by the Freedom Party and an independent candidate. The Freedom Party, in spite of its name, was founded by former Nazis and is dedicated to a Pan-Germanic vision. Their motto is reminiscent of other newly popular expressions, “Austria First”. In a runoff between Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party and Alexander Van der Bellen (independent, but formerly of the Green Party), Alexander won 50.35 to Norbert's 49.65, either defeating or merely delaying a fascist Austria.

And in France, Marine Le Pen's National Front has won a consistent twenty-five percent nationwide in recent elections. Some of its key platforms are its anti-European Union and anti-immigrant stances, along with its desire to leave the Euro, build more prisons, and increase government security oversight of the internet. Le Pen vocally supports an alliance between France, Russia, and Switzerland, and has repeatedly complimented Putin and condemned Europe. Similar to the Freedom Party of Hungary it was originally founded by Nazi collaborators.

Moving abroad, this article will ignore many countries, but look at three which seemed to be trending democratic, but have faltered.

Russia will only have brief mention because it is already in the news, while the purpose of this article is to bring to light events in countries that are often ignored. Of most recent significance is the investigation by the World Anti-Doping Agency, which revealed a massive government sponsored program in Russia to allow athletes to compete while using performance enhancing supplements. As of today Russia is barred from the Olympics in Rio, though this most likely a formality. The evidence overwhelming indicates Russia cheated at the Sochi Olympics and continues to do so in other international sporting events. If the IAAf is actually dedicated to maintaining the appearance of a fair competition then Russia should be banned from this years Olympics, and be reinstated when they have proven their commitment to clean athletics.

Turkey, while currently in conflict with Russia, has leader similar in disposition to Putin. The Justice and Development Party, led by Recep Erdoğan has preyed on the fear of its populace to maintain success at the ballot. Before the Justice party the country had a strongly secular history, but this is being undone. Erdogan is dedicated to an Islamic nation, and aims for a new Ottoman Empire. He has consolidated power for the presidency: seizing independent media that criticizes the government and sending personal critics to jail. He has called for a new constitution, which observers believe will be used to institutionalize an authoritarian president and establish Islam as the official religion. (Note: This is not a specific criticism directed at Islam. Any nation that enshrines a religion, threatens the principle of religious freedom). Ineptly, Erdogan tried to shut down Twitter in 2014 during a crisis, when audio files were released that seemed to implicate Erdogan in embezzlement. The crisis in Syria and Iraq, along with the actions of Russia and the Kurds have only aided him, as he has convinced the citizens only he is strong enough to solve their problems.

Lastly on this list is a place and a person, not quite like the rest, but just as frightening. Rodrigo Duterte, the elected, but not yet installed President of the Philippines, is many things. He is a womanizer, he is corrupt, and speaks with hate. He seems to have won on the promise to do something about the corruption and crime that grips the Philippines. And his promise is to organize military squads to slay drug dealers. He wants to institute capital punishment for rape, murder, and robbery. He has called on citizens to organize as vigilantes and kill criminals. And he has said anyone that resists police will be shot. His policies and goals don't match many of the others, and it isn't clear he wants to consolidate power in his office: he wants to decentralize the Philippines and transform it into a federation. Yet, if he is able to enact his bloodbath, it might not be the place to visit.

These countries all have a similar theme. The global embrace of multiculturalism has led them to desire monolithic, religious, nativist, nationalist governments with an overwhelming executive branch, and limited personal freedom. They all seek validity from elections, and when they win they become the worst problem of democracies: a tyranny of the majority.

And yet while their ideas seem dangerous consider; the United States already has a security bill authoritarians love, the anti-immigration stance and enforcement is a model for eastern Europe, there is a movement to establish a national tongue and religion, and the office of the President is powerful. The United States is not an authoritarian nation, but it is caught in the stream of global resentment, and it must be known and resisted.