Red, Blue & Now Authoritarian: The New Political Party Rising in America

The way people vote in the United States is changing. For a long time, people were divided into two main groups: those who supported the Republican Party (red) and those who supported the Democratic Party (blue). 

But there is a new trend that’s emerging, where some people are becoming more extreme in their views and trying to control others. Enter the authoritarians. 

What Is Authoritarianism?

Authoritarianism involves a ruling party or elite group that holds absolute power. While there may be laws or a constitution, they often serve to legitimize the ruling party’s authority rather than protect individual rights. 

In authoritarian systems, power is derived from this ruling group rather than a single autocrat.

How the Autocratic Party Became a Growing Force in American Politics

There isn’t a specific party that has emerged as a distinct force. But, there are trends and movements that some observers associate with autocratic tendencies.

Rise of Populism & Authoritarianism

Over the past decade, there has been a global rise in right-wing populism and authoritarianism. 

Populist leaders often appeal to a sense of dissatisfaction with established institutions, promising to address the grievances of their supporters.

Mimicking Democratic Elements

Autocratic regimes have learned to mimic democratic features, such as holding elections, allowing multiple political parties, and providing space for legislatures to function (ref).

In the US, some politicians have adopted similar tactics that emphasize strongman leadership and challenging democratic norms.

Partisanship &  Political Socialization

People actively support political parties, whether ruling or opposition, despite knowing the election outcome in advance.

Partisanship can be contagious through social networks that can influence individual political beliefs and behaviors.

Key Events & Policies that Contributed to the Rise of Authoritarianism

Authoritarianism was already on the rise globally before the COVID-19 pandemic (ref). Leaders with autocratic tendencies were already gaining ground and challenging democratic norms.

• Florida Book Bans: Governor Ron DeSantis has been actively reshaping the public education system in Florida by removing books from school shelves.
• Transgender Rights Restrictions: The rights of transgender people are under attack throughout the country, with many states passing laws restricting their access to healthcare and other basic rights.
• Voting Restrictions: Efforts to restrict voting rights and suppress dissenting voices are also prevalent, with many Republican leaders questioning the legitimacy of election results and advocating for stronger, unelected leaders.
• Trump’s Authoritarian Rhetoric: Donald Trump’s political career has been marked by authoritarian tendencies, including attempts to overturn election results and his statements about using force to achieve political goals.
• Polarization and Isolationism: The Republican Party has shifted towards isolationism and rejecting international institutions. 

Specific Policies & Actions

Below are some specific world events that set the stage for authoritarian tendencies to rise. 

• Hungary: The firing of the editor of Hungary’s leading news site and attacks on media freedom. Prime Minister Viktor Orban expanded attacks on the press and seized more power during the pandemic. 
• Russia: New measures against public assembly and Putin’s referendum extending his power until 2036.
• Poland: Controversial elections held despite concerns about safety and fairness. 
• Egypt: There were arrests of dissenters critical of the government’s COVID-19 response.

The consequences of this trend are serious. It could lead to more violence and instability in the country. Ultimately, the future of American democracy depends on our ability to address these extreme views and promote a more inclusive and stable political system.

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