Rising fascism abroad highlights US trends

In recent years, many countries have been turning to authoritarianism as their form of government as opposed to democracy. In Italy’s most recent election, the citizens elected a new prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, who is an outright admirer of Benito Mussolini. The implications that come with this are terrifying and open a path towards the degradation of democracy, as well as human rights. 

Emerging authoritarian regimes pose a threat to the foundations and reputation of democracy. These patterns have been gaining international traction, which imposes a threat to other democratic countries that may not be very prosperous and therefore may fall siege to authoritarianism. 

There has been a degradation in democratic process of the United States in recent years. While America is said to be the pinnacle of freedom, democracy has come under attack under our very noses. From the 2016 election of Donald Trump and his authoritarian-practices, to the Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson that strips women of the rights to bodily autonomy, democracy is on the fritz in the “greatest country in the world.”

If one were to throw a frog into boiling water, it would react immediately and attempt to escape. But if you were to put it into cold water and slowly boil said water, it would stay and die. American people are slowly becoming boiled by the degradation of democracy and, in turn, the rise of authoritarianism over time. This pattern can and must be broken.  

American freedom is deeply rooted in racism and the oppression of minorities. The history that the United States government holds is built on stolen land and oppressive practices. The systems America has put in place serve the elite and must be radically changed and reflected upon for the prevention of an authoritarian regime. 

There are certain aspects of democracy that are integral to its success and must be protected. The most notable are the balances of powers and the integrity of elections. Citizens of democratic countries must continue to vote fairly and call out any violations regarding voting to preserve this integrity. On the other hand, our government must do their part to ensure that there is still a clear balance of powers by reflecting on their own institutions and the foundations they rest upon.

It is essential for democratic institutions to internationally band together to support each other as well as human rights activists . Supporting human rights efforts will combat systems of oppression. The fight against the rise of authoritarianism is one that all must partake in to promote the foundations of liberty that democracy lies on.