Fact Check: The World thinks the u.s. is becoming authoritarian

Fact Check: The World Thinks the U.S. is Becoming Authoritarian

What We Know

Recent surveys and analyses indicate a growing consensus among political scientists and scholars that the United States is moving toward a form of authoritarianism. A significant survey conducted by Bright Line Watch, which involved over 500 political scientists, revealed that a majority believe the U.S. is swiftly transitioning from liberal democracy to a more authoritarian regime. The survey showed a notable decline in the perceived health of American democracy, with ratings dropping from 67 to 55 shortly after President Trump's election.

Scholars such as Steven Levitsky from Harvard have expressed concerns that the U.S. is sliding into a "competitive authoritarian" state, where democratic institutions exist nominally but are undermined by executive overreach and suppression of dissent (source-1). This sentiment is echoed by various experts who cite specific actions taken by the Trump administration that mirror tactics used by authoritarian regimes in other countries, such as Hungary and Turkey (source-3, source-5).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that the U.S. is perceived as becoming authoritarian is robust. The Bright Line Watch survey, which has been tracking the state of democracy in the U.S. since 2017, reflects a significant shift in expert opinion, suggesting a consensus on the deterioration of democratic norms (source-1). Furthermore, the analysis provided by Levitsky and others points to the erosion of checks and balances, media freedoms, and the politicization of institutions as indicators of this trend (source-1, source-4).

However, it is essential to consider the reliability of the sources. The scholars involved in the Bright Line Watch survey are established experts in political science, lending credibility to their findings. On the other hand, some critics argue that the perception of authoritarianism may be influenced by political biases, suggesting that not all political scientists share this alarmist view (source-1). For instance, James Campbell, a retired political scientist, argues that some scholars may perceive Trump as authoritarian due to their political leanings rather than objective analysis (source-1).

Despite these dissenting opinions, the overwhelming majority of scholars surveyed express concern about the trajectory of U.S. democracy, indicating a significant shift in the political landscape. The actions of the Trump administration, such as targeting media outlets and undermining judicial independence, have been highlighted as steps toward authoritarian governance (source-5, source-6).

Conclusion

The claim that "the world thinks the U.S. is becoming authoritarian" is True. The evidence from multiple surveys and expert analyses indicates a widespread belief among political scientists that the U.S. is experiencing a decline in democratic norms and an increase in authoritarian practices. While there are dissenting voices, the prevailing view among experts supports the assertion that the U.S. is moving toward a more authoritarian state.

Sources

1. U.S. is sliding toward authoritarianism, hundreds of scholars say
2. What America could look like a decade from now
3. The Dangers of Project 2025: Global Lessons in Authoritarianism
4. America's Authoritarian Drift: A Call to Action from Scholars
5. The Trump administration is descending into authoritarianism
6. Hundreds of scholars say US is swiftly heading toward authoritarianism
7. Science Tells Us the U.S. Is Heading toward a Dictatorship
8. The Path to American Authoritarianism