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Authoritarianism is making a comeback globally. As a futurist, I see this as a critical trend, as it profoundly shapes the futures of nations, individuals, freedoms, and economies. My work examines trends across seven interconnected domains: scientific, technological, societal, geopolitical, economic, philosophical, and environmental—and authoritarianism has the potential to disrupt them all.
Authoritarian regimes rarely burst onto the scene fully formed. Instead, they tend to creep in, often cloaked in the language of democracy, capitalizing on economic and social anxieties to gradually consolidate power. They manipulate legal systems, control the flow of information, silence dissenting voices, and subtly corrupt institutions.
My studies in political science gives me a keen appreciation of the historical patterns and triggers that pave the way for authoritarian rule. In this piece, we'll delve into the warning signs of rising authoritarianism and explore the classic strategies and tactics used to seize, expand, and maintain power.
