Scholars Say America Under Trump Is Authoritarian, Not Democratic

America is far beyond democratic erosion and democratic decline and is now approaching a form of authoritarianism with elements of fascism, explains Brendan Nyhan, professor of government at the University of Dartmouth. Other researchers make similar arguments. In the last episode of Right now with Perry BaconNyhan argued that the lack of opposition to Trump of the Supreme Court and the Congress in particular made the president much stronger. He said that authoritarian controls in other countries have occurred more slowly, in part because there was more institutional opposition. According to Nyhan, researchers and journalists must ring the alarm against Trump, even if it accuses them of being supporters. Nyhan expressed his concern that the divisions between progressive and centrist democrats weakened resistance to Trump, especially since the republican party is so consolidated around the president. You can watch this episode here.