Authoritarianism is antithetical to ideas …show more content…
He has been President for much of that time with the exception of serving as prime minister from 2008-2012. Putin is credited by Forbes journalist Melik Kaylan with being the inventor of modern authoritarianism, using a slew of techniques to strong-arm the nation under his control. Muffling the press, the creation of a “pyramid economy”, and the rewriting of the constitution to legally remain in power, along with the removal of checks and balances, are among techniques used by Putin according to Kaylan. He credits Putin with inspiring many of the modern authoritarian regimes, being the first to use most of these techniques, claiming “Putin set the example at a time when state repression seemed all but banished from human affairs”. The article was written in January of 2014, but two years later, Putin seems to have further expanded his sphere of influence, utilizing a different type of interference. In a turn of events concerning for many American citizens is the fact that there is evidence that the Russian Government influenced the election in Donald Trump’s …show more content…
Polish Political Commentator Martin Mycielski has produced a “survival guide” based on Eastern Europe’s history with Authoritarian Regimes warning of several actions that may happen to America should Trump follow the path of Authoritarianism and how to prevent this if possible. Mycielski, a member of the Polish KOD (English translated: Committee for the Defence of Democracy), targeted the guide at Americans concerned with actions taken by the Trump administration. Mycielski, among others, has identified Trump as a threat to democracy in a nation long thought to be an unwavering bastion of the principles of self governance. The information from his guide is based on the relatively recent, living memory of Poland being under the authoritarian control of the USSR.
It is not just Polish Activists that are concerned. Many EU citizens are concerned, including German President Joachim Gauck has announced that Germany is ready to take a more active role in world politics, speaking specifically on Brexit, and President Trump’s