In the face of democracy's erosion, how do we act? For years, this was an abstract question. The once-distant specter of authoritarianism had become academic fodder. Germany in the 1930s seemed like a distant memory, its dark parallels to current events a rare occurrence.
However, that is no longer the case. Authoritarian populism has spread across the world, from Argentina to Indonesia, and even within Western democracies like Italy and France. The most striking example, though, remains the United States under Donald Trump's second term. Nine months into his presidency, America is revealing its true face: a society where immigrants are purged, power is concentrated, dissent is suppressed, oligarchs are rewarded, and truth and law are scorned.
Trump's policies are not unique; many governments that claim to be alternatives to populism have begun to emulate its features. Even Keir Starmer's government has adopted some of the same tactics, such as a harsh approach towards asylum seekers. Yet, Trump's presidency is particularly unsettling, with over three years left in his term and potentially more if he manages to overcome constitutional and electoral obstacles.
The domestic impact of Trump's regime varies greatly depending on where you live. In California, one of the places he dislikes most, due to its liberal values and multiculturalism, his regime has intervened aggressively. Los Angeles is a city that exemplifies this tension. The usually vibrant neighborhoods of Boyle Heights are eerily quiet, with bakeries and cafes empty and only a few outdoor seats taken. Fear of arrest, detention, and deportation has kept many people indoors.
In contrast, the arts district of downtown LA is bustling with activity. People gather to enjoy expensive iced coffees and artisanal sandwiches while discussing their latest cultural projects. It's as if they're trying to escape the reality of Trump's presidency, which would likely be detestable to them.
This dichotomy raises an important question: how do we react when our democracy is being dismantled? Do we retreat into passivity or engage with politics? Often, these impulses coexist in people, especially when faced with something as provocative and exhausting as hard-right populism. Some may adopt a "wait and see" approach, while others will take action to resist the regime.
A recent protest in Beverly Hills, California, was a striking example of this divide. Thousands of people marched against Trump's policies, carrying witty anti-Trump placards and chanting slogans. The event was uplifting, with politics coming alive for many participants. However, in San Francisco, the response is more jaded. Many people view Trump's regime as a malign fact of life, something to be endured rather than actively resisted.
The challenge ahead is creating an equally relentless and compelling movement to resist rightwing populism. Unless populism's opponents can draw in those who are victimised and scared into silence, this age of autocrats will carry on. The US and Britain are already facing this reality, with Reform UK promising a Trump-style deconstruction of Whitehall if they win power.
The key is not just to sporadically resist or express contempt for the regime but to create an equally powerful movement that draws in more people and inspires them to take action. Anything less will allow authoritarianism to prevail.
However, that is no longer the case. Authoritarian populism has spread across the world, from Argentina to Indonesia, and even within Western democracies like Italy and France. The most striking example, though, remains the United States under Donald Trump's second term. Nine months into his presidency, America is revealing its true face: a society where immigrants are purged, power is concentrated, dissent is suppressed, oligarchs are rewarded, and truth and law are scorned.
Trump's policies are not unique; many governments that claim to be alternatives to populism have begun to emulate its features. Even Keir Starmer's government has adopted some of the same tactics, such as a harsh approach towards asylum seekers. Yet, Trump's presidency is particularly unsettling, with over three years left in his term and potentially more if he manages to overcome constitutional and electoral obstacles.
The domestic impact of Trump's regime varies greatly depending on where you live. In California, one of the places he dislikes most, due to its liberal values and multiculturalism, his regime has intervened aggressively. Los Angeles is a city that exemplifies this tension. The usually vibrant neighborhoods of Boyle Heights are eerily quiet, with bakeries and cafes empty and only a few outdoor seats taken. Fear of arrest, detention, and deportation has kept many people indoors.
In contrast, the arts district of downtown LA is bustling with activity. People gather to enjoy expensive iced coffees and artisanal sandwiches while discussing their latest cultural projects. It's as if they're trying to escape the reality of Trump's presidency, which would likely be detestable to them.
This dichotomy raises an important question: how do we react when our democracy is being dismantled? Do we retreat into passivity or engage with politics? Often, these impulses coexist in people, especially when faced with something as provocative and exhausting as hard-right populism. Some may adopt a "wait and see" approach, while others will take action to resist the regime.
A recent protest in Beverly Hills, California, was a striking example of this divide. Thousands of people marched against Trump's policies, carrying witty anti-Trump placards and chanting slogans. The event was uplifting, with politics coming alive for many participants. However, in San Francisco, the response is more jaded. Many people view Trump's regime as a malign fact of life, something to be endured rather than actively resisted.
The challenge ahead is creating an equally relentless and compelling movement to resist rightwing populism. Unless populism's opponents can draw in those who are victimised and scared into silence, this age of autocrats will carry on. The US and Britain are already facing this reality, with Reform UK promising a Trump-style deconstruction of Whitehall if they win power.
The key is not just to sporadically resist or express contempt for the regime but to create an equally powerful movement that draws in more people and inspires them to take action. Anything less will allow authoritarianism to prevail.
, like, what's the point of even trying? We're just gonna lose anyway 
. I mean, Trump's got his base and they're all super loyal, you know? Like, why bother trying to change them, right? 
We gotta take action and resist this whole authoritarian thing. But, like, what's the best way to do that? I mean, protests are cool and all, but they're not gonna make a difference in the end 
.
, like, really go against the man and take a stand for what's right. But, like, isn't that kinda extreme? And won't it just alienate people who are already on the fence? 
. Can we just agree to disagree and move on? Or should we, like, totally come up with a plan of action and stuff? 
. It's like, we're living in a real-life horror movie where the lines between truth and lies are so blurred it's hard to know what's real anymore 
. The fact that ppl in the US are being purged, power is concentrated and dissent is suppressed is straight up terrifying 
. We need to get involved, like, now, or else we risk losing our democracy for good 
. I'm not sure if it's gonna be easy, but I think we gotta try, you know? Can't just sit back and watch the ship go down 
it's like they're living in a bubble.
, its heartbreaking 2 see ppl bein detained, deported... its like they're human beings @ all!!1!
lets create a movement that draws in all those who r scared n victimized 
we gotta make our voices heard & take back our democracy!!! 
like we're living in some crazy alternate universe where ppl are actually scared 2 speak out against the man. it's not just about him tho, its about what happens wen ppl start 2 accept that authoritarianism is okay. it's like we're gonna lose ourselves 2 the fear of being 'other' or being silenced. we need 2 take action & make our voices heard. but how? i dont know 
but seriously, the erosion of democracy is real and it's not just limited to america. we need to stay vigilant and resist this kind of populist rhetoric that seeks to divide us rather than unite us 
we can't just sit idly by while trump's policies continue to hurt people 
... like, where's the fun in that? 
they're so divided, it's like people are fighting over whose turn it is to take the last coffee at a protest cafe 
️
...
... have you tried it? 
.