Lessons from Global Authoritarianism: Insights for America

Donald Trump’s admiration for authoritarian leaders, such as Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, has raised concerns about the potential consolidation of power in the United States. Following Trump’s re-election, activists and opposition leaders from Hungary, El Salvador, and Turkey shared their experiences with authoritarianism, emphasizing the need for vigilance and adaptation in the face of such governance.

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Stefania Kapronczay, former head of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union, noted that Trump’s power consolidation is occurring at a faster pace than Orbán’s, who has systematically altered Hungary’s political landscape since 2010. Orbán’s government has restructured the judiciary, restricted civil liberties, and manipulated electoral rules, leading to Hungary being labeled a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy” by the European Parliament. Kapronczay emphasized the importance of addressing everyday issues, such as economic stability and healthcare, to connect with citizens and counter authoritarian narratives.

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Ece Temelkuran, a Turkish author, highlighted a critical shift in Turkish politics following Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s re-election in 2007, marking a period of intensified authoritarianism. Temelkuran warned that American citizens must prepare for a prolonged struggle to restore democracy, noting that Erdogan’s consolidation of power took years, contrasting it with Trump’s rapid actions. She pointed to recent protests in Turkey as a sign of hope, where opposition parties are beginning to merge street activism with traditional political structures.

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Claudia Ortiz, a federal deputy with El Salvador's opposition Vamos party, reflected on the lessons learned since Nayib Bukele’s election in 2019. She emphasized the necessity of shifting the narrative from opposing authoritarian leaders to focusing on the needs of the people. Despite Bukele’s controversial governance, which includes emergency powers and human rights abuses, he maintains high approval ratings due to perceived improvements in crime rates. However, Ortiz noted that the reality of deteriorating public services and rising living costs is beginning to challenge this support.

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Critics of authoritarian regimes argue that while these systems may appear effective, they ultimately fail to provide sustainable and equitable solutions. Ortiz warned that the initial support for authoritarian leaders can wane as citizens confront the harsh realities of governance, such as economic hardship and civil rights violations. The experiences of activists from Hungary, Turkey, and El Salvador serve as cautionary tales for Americans, highlighting the importance of grassroots engagement and the need for a robust opposition to counteract authoritarian tendencies.

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Activists stress the importance of addressing local concerns and fostering community engagement to combat authoritarianism. Kapronczay stated, “Autocrats really want to polarize society, so any kind of initiative that goes against it is really important.” Temelkuran urged Americans to recognize the long-term nature of the struggle for democracy, asserting, “If [Americans] do not accept the fact that this is a long game... you won’t have the patience and stamina to bear it.”

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• “Democracy promised economic prosperity and more equality, and it just didn’t deliver that,” — Stefania Kapronczay, Former Head of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union

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• “You cannot make authoritarian leaders the center of your narrative,” — Claudia Ortiz, Federal Deputy, Vamos Party

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• “Authoritarian systems give the appearance of performing, but their solutions are not thorough, they are not sustainable, and they are not fair,” — Claudia Ortiz, Federal Deputy, Vamos Party

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The insights from these global leaders underscore the necessity for Americans to remain vigilant and proactive in defending democratic values against the encroachment of authoritarianism.

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