Is the United States Shifting Away from Liberal Democracy? Experts Weigh In
Amidst ongoing debates surrounding the nature of democracy in the United States, some scholars argue that the country is no longer a liberal democracy, but rather exhibits characteristics of “competitive authoritarianism.” This term describes a political system where democratic processes exist, but the ruling party manipulates these systems to maintain its grip on power. This concept, initially coined for nations like Serbia, Kenya, and Peru, is now being applied to the U.S., sparking widespread discussion.
Harvard professor Steven Levitsky, who co-developed the concept with Lucan Way, explains that in competitive authoritarian regimes, the state is utilized both as “a weapon and a shield” by those in power. Levitsky highlights former President Donald Trump’s actions, such as pardoning individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol events, as indicative of this model. “Elected authoritarians, when they come to power, try to convert the state, which is supposed to be a neutral arbiter, into both a weapon and a shield,” said Levitsky on NPR’s WAMU’s show, 1A.
The term “competitive authoritarianism” was inadvertently coined during a discussion with Way’s faculty adviser, Timothy Colton, who misremembered the original concept of “Contested Autocracy.” Recognizing the term’s appropriateness, Levitsky and Way adopted it, never expecting it to describe the political climate in the United States.
Interest in competitive authoritarianism has surged since Trump’s presidency, with a notable increase in Google searches and mentions in global publications such as the Ventura County Star and The Scotsman. Despite the allegations, Trump has publicly denied accusations of authoritarian tendencies, stating, “I don’t like a dictator. I’m not a dictator.”
While some academics assert that the U.S. embodies competitive authoritarianism, others maintain it remains a democracy. They point to the ongoing freedom of speech, such as protests and criticisms of Trump, as evidence. Despite Trump’s calls for the firing of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, the host remains on air, exemplifying these democratic aspects.
Moreover, competitive authoritarianism does not guarantee indefinite rule. Viktor Orbán, the former Hungarian Prime Minister, was seen as mastering this political strategy. However, his party eventually fell to a unified opposition, underscoring that even entrenched leaders can face electoral defeat under such systems.
For more on this topic, consider exploring the origins and implications of competitive authoritarianism through resources like Journal of Democracy and NPR’s Word of the Week.
Comments are closed.