The world is witnessing a resurgence of authoritarianism, but this new wave is different. It’s not just about brute force or silencing dissent; it’s about a sophisticated and insidious takeover of democratic institutions, dubbed “Autocracy, Inc.” by Harvard political scientists Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky. In their latest book, they offer a chilling analysis of this new breed of dictator and its implications for global democracy.

Ziblatt and Levitsky argue that these modern autocrats are not content with simply crushing opposition. Instead, they are strategically dismantling the very foundations of democracy, often employing tactics that are subtle and seemingly legal. This “incumbent capture” strategy involves:

Weakening checks and balances: Through subtle legal changes and judicial manipulation, autocrats undermine the power of independent institutions like the judiciary and legislature, effectively creating a system that favors their own power.

Controlling information: The manipulation of media and social media platforms becomes a weapon for disseminating propaganda and suppressing dissenting voices, creating a culture of fear and self-censorship.

Eroding civic engagement: By fostering a climate of distrust and polarisation, autocrats weaken public participation and discourage citizens from engaging in the political process, thus facilitating a gradual slide towards authoritarianism.

This playbook, they argue, is being employed by leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary, Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, and even Donald Trump in the United States. These figures, despite their differences in ideology and style, share a common goal: to consolidate power and dismantle the checks and balances that safeguard democracy.

The authors emphasize the importance of recognizing these subtle but insidious tactics. While traditional authoritarianism relied on brute force and obvious political repression, “Autocracy, Inc.” thrives on the slow erosion of democratic norms and institutions. This makes it harder to identify and address, but also necessitates a more nuanced and proactive approach to safeguarding democracy.

“Autocracy, Inc.” offers a stark warning about the fragility of democratic institutions and the need for constant vigilance. It challenges us to move beyond the traditional binary of “democracy vs. dictatorship” and understand the nuanced and evolving tactics of authoritarianism in the 21st century. This new understanding is crucial for protecting our democratic systems and ensuring the future of open and free societies.

Key takeaways from “Autocracy, Inc.”:

The rise of “incumbent capture”: Autocrats are not simply using force, but strategically dismantling democratic institutions from within.

The importance of recognizing subtle tactics: Recognizing the tactics used by modern autocrats is vital for effective resistance and defense of democracy.

The need for proactive action: Protecting democracy requires constant vigilance and proactive measures to address the subtle erosion of democratic norms.

“Autocracy, Inc.” serves as a timely wake-up call, urging us to be more aware and proactive in safeguarding democracy against the insidious threat of “incumbent capture.” The fate of our democracies may hinge on our ability to recognize and confront this new breed of autocrat.