An Authoritarian Leader’s Guide to a Democratic Breakdown
Democracy is a delusion.
You don’t believe me?
Ask the people of Hungary, India or even the U.S. They managed to sustain a democratic façade. The usual one — rights, freedoms, equality and social justice. But it seems to me this was all a ticking time bomb.
So, what if there’s a way to speed up the process of democratic erosion?
It’s simple. You just need to target some key areas.
If you’re consistent enough, be sure that you have secured yourself a place in the history books with a successful democratic breakdown.
Here’s how:
(Un)fair Elections
Elections are not about choice. The choice is already made, elections are simply a way to justify it. But since there’s the practice of elections monitoring, we have to be slick about this. To an outside observer, the elections should never appear rigged. A way to go around that may be as simple as manipulating voters or if you’re really determined — selectively blocking media access. And some tactics of voter mobilization are always welcome. The networks you have already built should help you in this endeavor. Some pressure here, a few rewards there. All of this should grant you the votes you expect. Still, you may not even need to tamper with the ballots in any way. That is, if you play your cards right.
(Un)restricted Media
Media is a weapon. Make sure it operates in your favor. Unchecked media can really get under your skin. The way to go about this is quite specific. If you silence the media altogether, it will cause more disruptions than you want. Don’t rush to the lengths that the notable Uzbek ruler Islam Karimov went. Leave the media outlets to operate — a seemingly fruitful media environment with a plethora of publications. Well, with the small distinction that they publish only what you want the people to know. Of course, you cannot do this all alone. That would be foolish. Use the chain of people that owe their career and opulent lifestyle to you. Give them the satisfaction of exercising some power over the media. On paper, the ownership is theirs, along with the responsibility if things go south. It’s like you were never in the picture. But you’re always there — you know that by now.
(In)dependent Judiciary
The ability to exercise control over judicial rulings is indispensable. Use any opportunity to tap into the appointment and dismissal of judges. They do not have to swear allegiance to you immediately. But knowing where they stand should guide them in their practice. They are placed to make sure the rule of law is exercised. Well, considering you’re the one to ultimately establish the law, it makes sense that judges’ rulings should abide to you and your liking. Some friends over in the Polish government secured this for themselves by passing reforms that politicize the appointing and dismissing of judges. If they can do it, what’s stopping you?
(Anti)politics
Good politics is about antipolitics. When people are fed up with the system — the one that failed to upkeep its promises — give them the alternative and they’ll cling to you like bees to honey. My friend, Viktor Orban, gained his support when a huge segment of the Hungarian society was dissatisfied with their way of life. The only thing you really have to do is keep highlighting any existing weaknesses. Make yourself look better by making your opponent look worse. You know that smooth talkers almost always get their way. It’s the same in societal relations. You see, this way you probably won’t need to meddle with the elections that much. You’ll get into power straight through the ballot. No one has the right to complain after that — they used their right to vote with no outside influence.
Social (Dis)unity
It’s time to start playing on the existing societal divisions. Every place has them, you just need to know how to use those in your favor instead of burdening yourself with resolving them. We have seen democratic leaders try to meet everyone’s interests and fail miserably. So, the way to go is clear. Solidify your supporters by siding only with them. How else do you think my outspoken pal Donald Trump secured the win in 2016?
(Un)checked power
Making use of the circumstances is key. The last thing you want is to miss out on an opportunity to seize more power. The best time to do that is when people’s lives are preoccupied with something bigger. A pandemic, a foreign threat or even a natural disaster are good ways to show how much you care about society’s wellbeing. So much that you’re willing to take everything in your hands to restore order. Why not extend your term limits, or postpone an election or two? A state of emergency can be prolonged for as long as you deem suitable. That is, until all the individual freedoms that were taken away evaporate like a distant memory.
I know what you might be thinking at this point. Why go through all this trouble? Can’t a simple coup bring immediate results? Or just imposing a martial law and taking over the state? In reality, the circumstances of organizing a successful coup are quite specific and don’t come every day. Harsh measures like that will only disturb the international community.
But following these steps will lay the groundwork for an authoritarian rule.
One that is made to last.
And remember, we aim to be subtle. So subtle that taking over people’s freedoms leaves them convinced they are doing it willingly.
— — —
Many thanks for the insights provided by Prof. Ilya Levine from the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) and all the background sources used in the making of this piece.
Victoria Ivanova is a student in Journalism and Political Science at AUBG. In her graduating year, she decided to experiment with her writing by taking some unusual approaches.
