Measuring America’s slide toward democratic erosion.
The crackdown on dissent and speech in Minnesota this winter follows a pattern that is common in countries that slide from democracy to autocracy: A leader enacts a legally dubious policy. Citizens protest that policy. The government responds with intimidation and force. When people are hurt, the government blames them and lies about what happened.
The New York Times editorial board published an index in October tracking 12 categories of democratic erosion, based on historical patterns and interviews with experts. Our index places the United States on a scale of 0 to 10 for each category. Zero represents the United States before President Trump began his second term — not perfect, surely, but one of the world’s healthiest democracies. Ten represents the condition in a true autocracy, such as China, Iran or Russia.
Edit: Adding the metrics that aren’t visible in the archived copy.
- Stifling speech and dissent 4/10
- Persecuting political opponents 5/10
- Bypassing the legislature 4/10
- Defying the courts 2/10
- Declaring false emergencies 5/10
- Using the military at home 2/10
- Vilifying marginalized groups 6/10
- Controlling information 2/10
- Trying to take over universities 2/10
- Creating a cult of personality 6/10
- Using power for personal profit 7/10
- Manipulating the law to stay in power 2/10
I agree. The US is now highly authoritarian but not yet autocratic. Although many formerly independent institutions are more or less autocratic. The executive branch, many media outlets, and most of congress are now virtually puppets of the president. However, the courts, other media outlets, citizens, educational institutions, most state and local governments, and the minority faction in congress remain at least somewhat independent.
Exactly. Everything this administration does is also a meme to appear strong. I don’t think we should accept the story they’re selling or declare victories for them they haven’t won.
I think even their legislative control is far weaker than many realize. Yes, the Republicans are cowardly, traitorous fucks who’ve abdicated their responsibilities. But they’re also not really passing legislation. The majority of their policies have come through ephemeral executive orders because they couldn’t pass them. They haven’t really tried because it would expose that weakness and their most important priority is appearing strong. They would if they could. Repealing law is difficult, reversing executive orders is just a signature.