Steven Levitsky, David Rockefeller Professor of Latin American Studies, and Daniel Ziblatt, Eaton Professor of the Science of Government, have published an op ed in the New York Times titled “There Are Four Anti-Trump Pathways We Failed to Take. There Is a Fifth.”
The piece, which in itself has received much commentary, tackles the topic of authoritarianism and democracy in the United States. The pieces opens by stating: “Democratic self-rule contains a paradox. It is a system premised on openness and competition. Any ambitious party or politician should have a shot at running for office and winning. But what if a major candidate seeks to dismantle that very system?
“America confronts this problem today. Donald Trump poses a clear threat to American democracy. He was the first president in U.S. history to refuse to accept defeat, and he illegally attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Now, on the brink of returning to the White House, Mr. Trump is forthrightly telling Americans that if he wins, he plans to bend, if not break, our democracy.”
The 3,200 word piece wraps up with a warning. “The U.S. establishment is sleepwalking toward a crisis. An openly antidemocratic figure stands at least a 50-50 chance of winning the presidency. The Supreme Court and the Republican Party have abdicated their gatekeeping responsibilities, and too many of America’s most influential political, business and religious leaders remain on the sidelines. Unable to rise above fear or narrow ambition, they hedge their bets. But time is running out.
“What are they waiting for?”
Read the full article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/24/opinion/democracy-defense-us-authoritarian.html?smid=nytcore-android-share