Building a Broad Front Against Authoritarianism in the U.S.

The rise of authoritarianism in the United States is no longer a distant concern; it is an immediate reality characterized by undemocratic governance and strongman tactics. This situation has prompted a surge in protests, particularly during the early days of President Donald Trump’s second term, indicating a growing resistance among the populace. However, experts argue that mere disruption is insufficient. A more effective strategy involves forming a broad coalition across various classes, sectors, and ideologies to effectively isolate and combat authoritarian power.

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Historically, the United States has seen successful broad front movements that challenged authoritarian threats. The period following the Civil War, known as Reconstruction, exemplifies this. A coalition of Radical Republicans, abolitionists, and formerly enslaved individuals sought to enact sweeping reforms, including Black enfranchisement and land redistribution. However, the movement faltered due to a lack of institutional support and the refusal of many white workers to join, ultimately leading to its collapse under violent opposition.

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Similarly, the Popular Front and New Deal Coalition emerged during the Great Depression, uniting labor unions, Southern Democrats, and urban liberals to address widespread social issues. This coalition, bolstered by the Communist Party’s strategy to combat fascism, achieved significant reforms but disbanded due to internal contradictions and external pressures, particularly after the signing of the Hitler-Stalin Pact in 1939.

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The 1980s Rainbow Coalition, spearheaded by Jesse Jackson, represents a formal attempt to create a multiracial front. This coalition aimed to build on Civil Rights Movement victories and unite various progressive constituencies. Despite its initial success, the coalition disintegrated after Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign, primarily due to a lack of institutional independence and the sidelining of grassroots organizers.

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Key lessons from the Rainbow Coalition include the importance of reflecting the coalition's actual demographics in its platform, organizing at both national and local levels, and establishing an independent organizational structure to endure beyond electoral cycles.

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Today, the landscape for building a broad front is challenging. Movements are fragmented, and the decline of the industrial working class has weakened labor institutions. To effectively counter authoritarianism, it is essential to create a mass-based and democratic front that engages everyday people, including moderates and disaffected conservatives. This coalition must remain focused on a singular goal: ending authoritarian rule, while being disciplined enough to navigate internal disagreements.

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Experts emphasize that the formation of a broad front is not merely a theoretical exercise but a necessary response to the current political climate. They advocate for a coalition that is inclusive and capable of addressing the diverse needs of the populace while maintaining unity on core objectives.

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• “The most effective strategy—deeply rooted in American history—is to build a broad front across class, sector and ideology to isolate and defeat authoritarian power.” — Author, In These Times

In These Times

• “To keep the front together through defeats and victories, we must make it mass-based and democratic—capable of engaging everyday people, not just institutions.” — Author, In These Times

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In conclusion, the urgency to build a broad front against authoritarianism in the U.S. is underscored by historical precedents and current challenges. The success of such a coalition hinges on its ability to unite diverse groups around shared goals while remaining adaptable to the evolving political landscape.

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