Fact Check: "The World Thinks America is Becoming Authoritarian"
What We Know
Recent surveys and analyses indicate a growing perception among international observers that the United States is moving towards authoritarianism. A significant survey conducted by Bright Line Watch, which included over 500 political scientists, revealed that the majority believe the U.S. is transitioning from a liberal democracy to a form of authoritarianism. The survey showed a dramatic decline in the rating of American democracy from 67 to 55, indicating a consensus among scholars that the country is "moving in the wrong direction" (NPR).
Moreover, international polling from Pew Research Center and Ipsos highlights that many people in Western democracies are skeptical of the U.S. political system, particularly under the leadership of Donald Trump. For instance, a Pew survey indicated that over half of adults in 19 of 24 countries surveyed lack confidence in Trump's leadership (Pew Research). This sentiment is echoed in commentary suggesting that the events in the U.S. are reminiscent of those in nations with a history of democratic erosion, such as Hungary and Turkey (Washington Post).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that the world perceives America as becoming authoritarian is robust. The Bright Line Watch survey provides a scholarly basis for understanding the shift in political climate, with experts like John Carey and Steven Levitsky articulating concerns about the erosion of democratic norms under Trump's administration (NPR). The term "competitive authoritarianism" has been used to describe the current state, where elections occur but are not free or fair, a situation that many scholars argue is developing in the U.S. (NPR).
Critics of this perspective, such as James Campbell, argue that Trump's actions are legitimate exercises of presidential power aimed at addressing long-standing issues, suggesting that the alarm over authoritarianism may stem from political bias among scholars (NPR). However, the overall trend in international polling indicates a significant lack of confidence in American democracy, particularly among those in countries with recent experiences of democratic backsliding (Washington Post).
The credibility of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, with established organizations like Pew Research and NPR providing data-driven insights. The political scientists surveyed are recognized experts in their field, lending weight to their assessments of the U.S. political landscape.
Conclusion
The claim that "the world thinks America is becoming authoritarian" is True. The evidence from multiple surveys and expert analyses indicates a widespread perception that the United States is experiencing a decline in democratic norms and is moving towards a more authoritarian governance style. This sentiment is echoed in international polling, which reflects a significant lack of confidence in American democracy, particularly under the current administration.
Sources
- U.S. is sliding toward authoritarianism, hundreds of ... NPR
- The world sees America for what it is Washington Post
- Views of the United States Pew Research
- US Image Declines in Many Nations Amid Low Confidence ... Pew Research
- Nearly one-third of Americans support autocracy, poll finds Independent
- Global poll: World sees Trump as "dangerous," "arrogant ... Axios
- RUPTURES AND NEW REALITIES - IGA Reports % : IGA Institute for Global Affairs
- A Crisis in Confidence: European Public Opinion in the ... Global Affairs
