Introduction
They don't make authoritarians like they used to. While closed regimes, military coups, and one-party systems persist, today's wave of authoritarianism is driven by a new breed of leaders ushering in electoral authoritarianism through democratic backsliding.
Scholars have extensively analyzed this trend. While invaluable, much of that work emphasizes denouncing its negative aspects, particularly regarding the impact of populist and polarizing rhetoric, the undermining of liberal institutions, and the repression of dissent.
This Authoritarian Playbook takes a different approach, aiming to understand what makes these leaders appealing. We don't advocate adopting authoritarian tactics, but we believe some of their methods—such as effective communication, mobilizing support, and reading public sentiment—can be adapted to defend democracy. Recognizing the authoritarians' strengths in key areas is vital to countering their influence. Volume 1 of the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit (AATK) explores how these leaders gain popularity, win elections, erode institutions, and attack activists, helping democracy defenders critically assess their strategies.
Not all the politicians depicted here are fully authoritarian. Some employ only parts of the plays described in this volume, and others do so in contexts where democratic institutions constrain their actions. Additionally, not all authoritarian plays are covered. However, this volume offers an initial roadmap to break down the strategies used by this new type of authoritarian leader or movement you may be confronting in your context.
You are not alone. The D-Hub community is here to connect all of us, learning from each other's successes and mistakes. Unveiling the Authoritarian Playbook is the first step. The next volumes of the Antiauthoritarian Toolkit will provide you with the best strategies to fight back against authoritarianism and defend our democracies
We can do it together. Welcome to the Democracy Hub Community.
Nika Kovač. Executive Director, D-Hub.
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