Fact Check: Resistance Movements Are Rising Up Against Authoritarianism
What We Know
Resistance movements against authoritarianism are indeed gaining momentum globally. According to a recent essay by political scientists Steven Levitsky, Lucan Way, and Daniel Ziblatt, the United States is experiencing a shift towards competitive authoritarianism, where elections exist but dissent is heavily suppressed. They emphasize the importance of civic engagement and collective action in confronting such regimes. Historical examples of successful resistance include the U.S. civil rights movement, the Polish Solidarity movement, and the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.
Recent events further illustrate this trend. For instance, civic uprisings in Brazil, South Korea, and Serbia have effectively challenged authoritarian leaders, showcasing the power of sustained mass participation and organized noncooperation among diverse societal groups (source-1). Additionally, a report from the 22nd Century Conference highlights how cultural initiatives, such as those by the Philippine Educational Theater Association, have played a crucial role in opposing authoritarianism (source-3).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim of rising resistance movements is robust, with multiple sources corroborating the trend. The essay by Levitsky et al. outlines how collective action has historically been a key factor in reversing authoritarianism. They argue that broad-based democratic fronts, which include diverse groups working together, significantly increase the chances of halting democratic backsliding—from 7.5% to 51.7% when civil resistance is involved (source-1).
Moreover, the cultural resistance movements highlighted in the report from the 22nd Century Conference provide contemporary examples of how art and community engagement can mobilize citizens against oppressive regimes (source-3). This aligns with findings from the Carnegie Endowment, which notes ongoing protests in various countries, including the Central African Republic and Madagascar, driven by citizen anger against authoritarian practices (source-6).
While the sources cited are credible and provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of resistance movements, it is essential to consider potential biases. The authors of the New York Times essay are established political scientists, lending weight to their arguments. However, the framing of resistance movements can sometimes lean towards an optimistic narrative, potentially underplaying the challenges and setbacks faced by these movements.
Conclusion
The claim that resistance movements are rising up against authoritarianism is True. Evidence from historical and contemporary examples demonstrates that collective action is increasingly being employed to challenge authoritarian regimes worldwide. The combination of civic engagement, cultural initiatives, and mass protests indicates a significant trend towards resistance against oppression.
Sources
- Big Tents and Collective Action Can Defeat Authoritarianism
- Fact Check: Resistance Movements Are Rising to Combat the Horrors of Authoritarianism
- How Democracies Defend Themselves Against Authoritarianism
- 148 Days and Counting: Georgia's Battle Against Authoritarianism
- Protests in 2023: Widespread Citizen Anger Continues, With Sources Multiplying
- Connexion : comptes Google
- Fostering a Fourth Democratic Wave: A Playbook for Countering the Authoritarian Threat
