Why some embrace it — a guest post by Paul Edward Robinson
(Inspired by Anne Applebaum’s Twilight of Democracy)
Over the past weeks, I’ve written about competitive authoritarianism—how democracies don’t always die with a bang, but erode bit by bit as leaders tilt the playing field to keep power. We’ve seen real-world examples of this in action and explored ways to resist it.
But here’s the uncomfortable question: Why do so many people—sometimes even former democrats—go along with this shift? Why do some actively support leaders who dismantle democratic norms?
Anne Applebaum tackles this in Twilight of Democracy. She doesn’t just examine how authoritarianism rises—she asks why people welcome it. And the answer is unsettling.
1. The Allure of Stability and Order
Democracy is messy. It thrives on debate, disagreement, and compromise.
Authoritarian-leaning leaders promise to “cut through the noise” and restore order—something that appeals to those tired of political chaos.
Many believe that a strong leader is the answer to polarization, unaware that this “order” comes at the cost of rights and freedoms.
2. The Comfort of a Simplified Worldview
Democracy requires critical thinking, engagement, and accepting uncertainty.
Competitive authoritarian regimes, on the other hand, offer easy answers—blaming outsiders, the media, or political opponents for all problems.
This attracts those who find it exhausting to navigate a world where truths are complex and policies require debate.
3. The Role of Political and Media Elites
Applebaum, like Levitsky & Way, emphasizes that democratic decline isn’t just about the leader—it’s about the elites who enable them.
Politicians, journalists, and intellectuals sometimes choose to support an emerging autocrat—not because they are forced to, but because it benefits them.
Whether it’s access to power, wealth, or ideological alignment, many will rationalize their support even as democracy erodes.
4. The Fear of Losing Power
Not everyone supports authoritarianism because they like it—some do it because they fear what happens if the “other side” wins.
Many competitive authoritarian regimes exploit this fear, convincing supporters that democracy will lead to their marginalization.
This fear—of demographic shifts, cultural change, or economic uncertainty—often overrides concerns about democratic principles.
5. The Slow Normalization of Autocracy
Applebaum warns that the transition from democracy to authoritarianism often feels normal to those experiencing it.
At first, it’s just small changes—the courts get reshaped, the media shifts, elections still happen but feel less meaningful.
By the time people realize what’s happened, it’s too late to easily reverse course.
Final Thought: The Fight for Democracy Is Also a Fight for Minds
Levitsky & Way help us understand how competitive authoritarianism works. Applebaum helps us understand why people let it happen.
Resisting authoritarianism isn’t just about policies and elections—it’s also about pushing back against the narratives that make people want a strongman, that make them fear open debate, or that convince them democracy isn’t worth the trouble.
History shows that no country is immune. The best defense isn’t just voting or protesting—it’s challenging the mindsets that make democracy vulnerable in the first place.
