Washington D.C. – The specter of 'competitive authoritarianism' looms over the United States, raising serious concerns about the future of American democracy and its impact on vulnerable populations. Political scientists are grappling with the question of whether the U.S. is transitioning into a system where democratic institutions are manipulated to maintain power, further entrenching existing inequalities.

The term, coined by academics Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way in 2002 to describe regimes in countries like Serbia, Kenya, and Peru, refers to systems where elections are held but the playing field is heavily tilted in favor of the ruling party. This includes tactics such as weaponizing state resources, suppressing dissent, and controlling media narratives, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and limiting their access to political power.

Levitsky points to former President Trump's actions as indicative of this trend, citing the pardoning of January 6th rioters as an example of shielding allies engaged in illegal behavior. This further emboldens those who seek to undermine democratic processes and perpetuates a climate of impunity for those in power. The pursuit of critics and lawsuits against critical media outlets also serve to silence dissenting voices and limit the flow of information, crucial for a healthy democracy.

The erosion of democratic norms disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, who already face systemic barriers to political participation. The suppression of dissent, the manipulation of electoral rules, and the spread of misinformation further disenfranchise these communities and limit their ability to advocate for their rights and interests. The rise of 'competitive authoritarianism' threatens to exacerbate existing inequalities and undermine the progress made towards a more just and equitable society.

Drawing parallels to leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary and Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey, Levitsky warns of a playbook designed to consolidate power by undermining independent institutions and suppressing opposition. This trend represents a direct threat to the principles of democracy and the rights of citizens to hold their leaders accountable.

Lucan Way's recollection of the term's origin highlights the initial focus on countries outside the Western world. The fact that it is now being applied to the United States underscores the severity of the current political climate and the urgent need to safeguard democratic institutions. The increased search interest in 'competitive authoritarianism' reflects a growing awareness of the potential dangers facing American democracy.