Popular Press Books and Popular Media Articles on Authoritarianism

Popular Press Books

Beyond Molotovs – A Visual Handbook of Anti-Authoritarian Strategies. Vol. 165. Bielefeld: transcript Verlag, 2024. doi:10.14361/9783839470558.

*Edited by the International Research Group on Authoritarianism and Counter-Strategies and kollektiv orangotango 

Official Book Summary: “Authoritarianism operates on a visceral level rather than relying on arguments. How can we counter authoritarian affects? This publication brings together more than 50 first-hand accounts of anti-authoritarian movements, activists, artists, and scholars from around the world, focusing on the sensuous and emotional dimension of their strategies. 

From the collective art and aesthetics of feminist movements in India, Iran, Mexico, and Poland, to sewing collectives, subversive internet art in Hong Kong, and even anti-authoritarian board games, the contributions open new perspectives on moments of resistance, subversion, and creation. Indeed, the handbook itself is a work of anti-authoritarian art.”

Acemoglu, Daron, and James A. Robinson. The Narrow Corridor: States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty. New York: Penguin Press, 2019.

• AI Summary: Acemoglu and Robinson explore the delicate balance required between state power and civil society to sustain liberty. They argue that authoritarianism emerges when states overpower societies or vice versa, illustrating that liberty thrives in a “narrow corridor” where both entities maintain mutual checks. This work highlights the dynamic tension necessary to prevent autocracy and ensure democratic governance.

Applebaum, Anne. Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism. New York: Doubleday, 2020.

• AI Summary: “Applebaum begins with a personal anecdote—a 1999 New Year’s Eve party in Poland attended by friends who were optimistic about the future of democracy. Over two decades, many of these individuals have aligned with authoritarian movements, leading to a profound sense of betrayal and confusion. She labels these individuals “clercs,” drawing from Julien Benda’s concept of intellectuals who abandon their commitment to truth in favor of political allegiance. Applebaum delves into the motivations behind this shift, emphasizing factors like career advancement, cultural despair, and a desire for revenge against perceived slights by other elites. The book examines several case studies, including Poland, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and the United States, highlighting how intellectuals and elites have facilitated the rise of authoritarian regimes. Applebaum argues that these “clercs” play a crucial role in legitimizing autocratic leaders and undermining democratic institutions”

Applebaum, Anne. Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Rule the World. New York: Doubleday, 2024.

• AI Summary: “Anne Applebaum’s Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World (2024) offers a compelling analysis of how authoritarian regimes, including Russia, China, Iran, Venezuela, and others, have formed a loose but effective network to undermine democratic institutions globally. Applebaum argues that these regimes, while ideologically diverse, are united by a common goal: to preserve their power and wealth by eroding democratic norms and institutions. This collaboration is not based on shared ideology but on mutual interests in maintaining control and suppressing opposition.”

Blumler, Jay, and Michael Gurevitch. The Crisis of Public Communication. Routledge, 2002.

• AI Summary: This work explores the challenges facing public communication systems, particularly in how they can be manipulated by authoritarian regimes to control information and suppress dissent. Blumler and Gurevitch emphasize the need for robust media systems to sustain democratic discourse and counter authoritarian narratives.

Cassani, Andrea, and Luca Tomini. Autocratization in Post-Cold War Political Regimes. Springer, 2018.

• AI Summary: Cassani and Tomini examine the processes of autocratization in post-Cold War regimes, identifying factors that contribute to the erosion of democratic institutions. They provide a comparative analysis of how authoritarian practices are adopted and normalized.

Chang, Jung. Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1991.

• AI Summary: This compelling memoir tells the story of three generations of women in Chang’s family, from the early 20th century through the Cultural Revolution and beyond. It vividly illustrates the devastating impact of totalitarian rule, from the initial promises of the Communist Party to the brutal purges and ideological campaigns that shattered lives and families, offering a deeply personal look at the human cost of Chinese authoritarianism.

Dikötter, Frank. Mao’s Great Famine: The History of China’s Most Devastating Catastrophe, 1958–1962. New York: Walker & Company, 2010.

• AI Summary: Based on newly opened archival material, Dikötter’s groundbreaking work meticulously documents the catastrophic famine that resulted from Mao’s Great Leap Forward. It reveals how the authoritarian regime’s policies, driven by ideology and a disregard for human life, led to tens of millions of deaths, exposing the inherent dangers of unchecked power and central planning in a totalitarian system.

DiResta, Renee. Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies into Reality. Hachette Book Group, 2024.

• AI Summary: “Renée DiResta’s Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies into Reality (2024) offers a comprehensive examination of how digital platforms, algorithms, and influencers have transformed the landscape of public discourse, enabling the widespread dissemination of misinformation and disinformation. Drawing from her extensive experience at the Stanford Internet Observatory, DiResta delves into the mechanisms that allow false narratives to gain traction and the individuals and entities that exploit these systems to shape public perception.”

Gessen, Masha. Surviving Autocracy. New York: Riverhead Books, 2020.

• AI Summary: “In Surviving Autocracy, Gessen examines how Trump’s actions have undermined democratic norms and institutions. They argue that Trump’s disregard for truth, manipulation of language, and consolidation of power reflect a deliberate strategy to weaken democratic structures. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing these signs early to prevent further democratic decline.”

Haga, Kazu. Healing Resistance: A Radically Different Response to Harm. Parallax Press, 2020.

• AI Summary: While not exclusively focused on authoritarianism, Kazu Haga’s book presents strategies for resisting oppressive systems through nonviolent action and healing. By promoting compassion and understanding, Haga offers an alternative approach to conflict resolution that challenges authoritarian dynamics, suggesting a path toward sustainable peace.

Holmes, Stephen, and Ivan Krastev. The Light That Failed: Why the West Is Losing the Fight for Democracy. Pegasus Books, 2020.

• AI Summary: Holmes and Krastev explore the disillusionment with liberal democracy in the West, attributing its decline to internal contradictions and the appeal of authoritarian alternatives. They argue that the failure to address economic and cultural grievances has led to a backlash against democratic norms, encouraging authoritarian tendencies globally.

Hong Fincher, Leta. Leftover Women: The Resurgence of Gender Inequality in China. London: Zed Books, 2014.

• AI Summary: This book explores how the Chinese state’s authoritarian policies, particularly the one-child policy and its aftermath, have contributed to a resurgence of gender inequality and pressure on educated women to marry. It reveals how the state manipulates social norms and individual choices to serve its demographic and stability objectives, illustrating a specific dimension of authoritarian control over private lives.

Johnson, Ian. The Souls of China: The Return of Religion After Mao. New York: Pantheon, 2017.

• AI Summary: While not exclusively about authoritarianism, this book explores the resurgence of various religious practices in China after decades of state suppression. It offers a nuanced view of how people navigate belief and community under an atheist, authoritarian government, revealing the Party’s ongoing efforts to control and co-opt spiritual life, and the quiet resilience of those seeking meaning beyond state ideology.

Levitsky, Steven, and Daniel Ziblatt. How Democracies Die. Crown, 2019.

• AI Summary: Levitsky and Ziblatt analyze the erosion of democratic norms, illustrating how elected leaders can gradually undermine democratic institutions from within. They provide a framework for identifying warning signs of democratic backsliding and emphasize the importance of maintaining political norms to prevent authoritarianism.

Lewis, Sophie. 2025. Enemy Feminisms: TERFs, Policewomen, and Girlbosses Against Liberation

• AI Summary: Sophie Lewis’s Enemy Feminisms traces two hundred years of reactionary feminist currents—from 19th-century imperialists to today’s TERFs and anti-abortion activists—to show how these “enemy feminisms” have bolstered authoritarian and fascist schemes. By exposing how certain feminist ideologies have been mobilized against liberation, Lewis argues that repudiating these currents is essential to any robust anti-fascist feminist strategy.

Lim, Louisa. The People’s Republic of Amnesia: Tiananmen Revisited. New York: Oxford University Press, 2014.

• AI Summary: Lim investigates the systematic efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to erase the memory of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre from public consciousness. Through interviews with survivors, witnesses, and former officials, the book highlights how authoritarian regimes maintain control by manipulating historical narratives and suppressing dissent, illustrating the ongoing struggle for historical truth in China.

MacFarquhar, Roderick, and Michael Schoenhals. Mao’s Last Revolution. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2006.

• AI Summary: This authoritative work provides an in-depth account of the Cultural Revolution, a decade of political chaos and violence orchestrated by Mao Zedong to consolidate his power. It details the mechanisms of authoritarian control, from mass mobilization and ideological purges to the dismantling of institutions, offering a comprehensive analysis of one of the most destructive periods of Chinese Communist rule.

McGregor, Richard. The Party: The Secret World of China’s Communist Rulers. New York: Harper, 2010.

• AI Summary: This book offers a deep dive into the inner workings of the Chinese Communist Party, revealing how it maintains its iron grip on power and influences every aspect of Chinese society. McGregor illuminates the Party’s opaque decision-making processes, its pervasive control mechanisms, and its relentless pursuit of stability and legitimacy, providing essential context for understanding modern Chinese authoritarianism.

Ressa, Maria. How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future. Harper, 2022.

• AI Summary: Maria Ressa shares her experiences as a journalist in the Philippines, confronting authoritarian regimes through the power of free press. Her narrative underscores the role of media as a critical tool in resisting dictatorial control and advocating for democratic ideals, illustrating the ongoing struggle for truth in the face of authoritarianism.

Runciman, David. How Democracy Ends. Basic Books, 2018.

• AI Summary: David Runciman explores the potential demise of democracy, arguing that modern threats are less about overt authoritarian takeovers and more about democratic systems failing to adapt to new challenges. He discusses how complacency, technology, and disillusionment can erode democratic resilience, paving the way for autocratic alternatives.

Shum, Desmond. Red Roulette: An Insider’s Story of Wealth, Power, Corruption, and Vengeance in Today’s China. New York: Scribner, 2021.

• AI Summary: A unique insider account, Shum’s memoir offers a rare glimpse into the opaque world of China’s elite and the intertwining of wealth and political power under authoritarianism. It exposes the deep-seated corruption, the lack of rule of law, and the constant fear of political persecution that pervade the highest levels of Chinese society, even for those who seemingly prospered under the system.

Snyder, Timothy. On Freedom. New York: Crown, 2024.

• AI Summary: In On Freedom, Timothy Snyder likely expands on the philosophical and practical dimensions of liberty in the face of contemporary threats. It is expected to delve into how individuals and societies can preserve or reclaim freedom when confronted with increasingly authoritarian tendencies, offering insights into the erosion of democratic norms and the methods used to suppress dissent.

Snyder, Timothy. On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. New York: Tim Duggan Books, 2017.

• AI Summary: This book serves as a concise guide to resisting authoritarianism, drawing urgent lessons from 20th-century history. Snyder outlines practical steps individuals can take to identify and counter the rise of tyrannical regimes, emphasizing the subtle ways democratic institutions can be undermined and offering advice on maintaining civic engagement and critical thinking.

Snyder, Timothy. Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin. New York: Basic Books, 2010.

• AI Summary: Bloodlands meticulously chronicles the mass murders committed by the Nazi and Soviet regimes in Eastern Europe between 1933 and 1945. Snyder demonstrates how these two totalitarian systems, despite their ideological differences, orchestrated unimaginable suffering and death on a vast scale, highlighting the extreme consequences of unchecked state power and the dehumanization inherent in authoritarian ideologies.

Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr I. The Gulag Archipelago, 1918–1956: An Experiment in Literary Investigation. Translated by Thomas P. Whitney and H. T. Willetts. 3 vols. New York: Harper & Row, 1973–1978.

• AI Summary: This monumental work is Solzhenitsyn’s most comprehensive and damning indictment of the Soviet totalitarian system, meticulously documenting the history, methods, and human toll of the vast network of forced labor camps. Through personal testimony, historical records, and his own experiences, Solzhenitsyn reveals the systematic terror, arbitrary arrests, and dehumanization that defined Soviet authoritarianism, arguing that the Gulag was not an aberration but an intrinsic part of the regime’s control.

Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr I. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. Translated by Ralph Parker. New York: Dutton, 1963.

• AI Summary: This novella provides a stark and intimate portrayal of a single day in the life of an ordinary prisoner in a Soviet labor camp. It exposes the brutal daily realities, the relentless hunger, cold, and dehumanizing labor, and the constant struggle for survival under an oppressive, arbitrary system. The novel starkly illustrates the individual’s powerlessness in the face of state-imposed authoritarianism.

Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr I. The First Circle. Translated by Thomas P. Whitney. New York: Harper & Row, 1968.

• AI Summary: Set in a special prison research institute (a “sharashka”) for scientists and engineers, this novel explores the moral dilemmas and compromises faced by intellectuals forced to serve the Soviet regime. It delves into the intricate web of surveillance, betrayal, and ideological control that characterized Soviet society, showcasing how authoritarianism permeated even the most seemingly privileged environments and challenged individual conscience.

Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr I. Cancer Ward. Translated by Rebecca Frank. New York: Dial Press, 1968.

• AI Summary: While set in a provincial cancer ward, this novel serves as an allegory for Soviet society, where disease and impending death reflect the moral and spiritual sickness of the totalitarian state. The diverse array of characters and their conversations reveal the pervasive fear, the limitations on individual freedom, and the lingering psychological scars inflicted by decades of authoritarian rule.

Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr I. The Oak and the Calf: Sketches of Literary Life in the Soviet Union. Translated by H.T. Willetts. New York: Harper & Row, 1980.

• AI Summary: This memoir offers an autobiographical account of Solzhenitsyn’s clandestine struggle against Soviet censorship and his efforts to publish his works. It details the constant surveillance, harassment, and pressure from the authorities, illustrating the extensive control the authoritarian state exerted over intellectual and artistic life, and the immense risks taken by those who dared to defy it.

Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr I. August 1914. Translated by Michael Glenny. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1972.

• AI Summary: The first volume of his historical epic The Red Wheel, this novel, though set during World War I, lays the groundwork for understanding the subsequent rise of authoritarianism in Russia. It examines the weaknesses and failures of the tsarist regime and the societal forces that contributed to the revolutionary upheaval, implicitly arguing that the seeds of future totalitarianism were sown in the preceding era of instability and moral decay.

Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr I. Letter to the Soviet Leaders. Translated by Hilary Sternberg. New York: Index on Censorship in association with Harper & Row, 1974.

• AI Summary: This controversial essay, addressed directly to the Soviet leadership, openly criticizes the ideological foundations and practical failures of the Soviet system, including its economic policies, environmental devastation, and suppression of individual liberties. It represents a bold and direct challenge to the authoritarian power structure, proposing an alternative path for Russia rooted in its national and spiritual traditions.

Strittmatter, Kai. We Have Been Harmonized: Life in China’s Surveillance State. Translated by Patrick Camiller. New York: Picador, 2020.

• AI Summary: A journalist’s account of China’s pervasive surveillance system, this book details how the Chinese Communist Party uses advanced technology, including facial recognition, big data, and social credit scores, to monitor and control its population. It offers a chilling look at the digital tools of modern authoritarianism and their impact on individual freedoms and privacy.

Yang, Jisheng. Tombstone: The Great Chinese Famine, 1958–1962. Translated by Edward Friedman. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2012.

• AI Summary: Another powerful account of the Great Famine, written by a former Xinhua News Agency journalist who undertook extensive research despite official obstacles. Yang’s work serves as a testament to the devastating consequences of Mao’s policies and the authoritarian suppression of information, emphasizing the deliberate choices made by the regime that led to mass starvation.

Popular Media Articles (Starting with general and moving into regions)

Beauchamp, Zack. “Make America Hungary Again.” The Atlantic, July 17, 2024. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2024/07/why-special-republican-relationship-hungary-so-worrying/679035/

• AI Summary: The article analyzes how Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has constructed a subtle, legally sophisticated authoritarian regime within a democratic society. By manipulating electoral laws, controlling the media, and consolidating judicial power, Orbán has created a “quasi-dictatorship” that maintains a democratic facade while entrenching his party’s dominance. His approach, termed “autocratic legalism,” has garnered admiration from the U.S. Republican Party, influencing conservative leaders and shaping policy proposals that mirror Orbán’s methods. The article warns that this ideological affinity risks undermining democratic institutions in the United States by adopting Hungary’s model of authoritarian governance disguised as democracy.

Ben-Ghiat, Ruth. “’Rule of the lawless’: What does the authoritarian playbook look like?” The Guardian, July 13, 2024. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/13/ruth-ben-ghiat-strongmen-book-authoritarian-playbook

• AI Summary: Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat outlines the common tactics of modern authoritarians—propaganda, the inversion of democracy as “tyranny,” and faux-populist rhetoric—showing how these strategies pave the way for concentrated power under the guise of liberation.

Carroll, Jordan S. “Reactionary Futurism 2025.” Los Angeles Review of Books, June 16, 2025. https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/reactionary-futurism-2025/

• AI Summary: Jordan S. Carroll’s essay examines the paradoxical future-oriented ideology of the far right, which, despite its nostalgic rhetoric, envisions a technologically advanced, authoritarian future led by a racially defined elite. Far-right thinkers and techno-fascists embrace a vision of reactionary futurism that combines white supremacist mythology with transhumanist fantasies, advocating for scientific and technological progress to secure racial and cultural dominance. Carroll surveys recent scholarship analyzing this worldview, highlighting how it co-opts science fiction and futurism to justify exclusionary and anti-democratic agendas. The essay also critiques Silicon Valley figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel as exemplars of techno-fascist futurism, emphasizing the urgent need to challenge reactionary monopolies on imagining the future by promoting inclusive, democratic visions instead.

Gorokhovskaia, Yana, and Isabel Linzer. “The Long Arm of Authoritarianism: How Dictators Reach Across Borders to Shut Down Dissent.” Freedom House, June 2, 2022. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/world/2022-06-02/long-arm-authoritarianism

• AI Summary: This article analyzes the growing phenomenon of transnational repression, where authoritarian regimes collaborate to track, silence, and intimidate dissidents beyond their own borders. Highlighting cases from Belarus, Russia, China, and other regimes, the authors show how political activists face harassment, forced deportations, and kidnappings worldwide. The article also discusses how restrictive asylum policies in democracies limit safe havens for dissidents, urging democratic nations to reform asylum practices and strengthen protections for those fleeing authoritarian persecution. The growing cooperation among autocracies poses a significant challenge to global human rights and democracy.

Kendzior, Sarah. “Trumpmenbashi.” The Diplomat, March 2016. https://thediplomat.com/2016/03/trumpmenbashi/

• AI Summary: In “Trumpmenbashi,” Sarah Kendzior compares the authoritarian tactics of Central Asian dictatorships with the populist rise of Donald Trump. She argues that nationalist rhetoric and consolidation of power used by leaders like Uzbekistan’s Islam Karimov mirror Trump’s political style, signaling a broader trend of democratic erosion through populism and authoritarianism. The article highlights how understanding these parallels can shed light on emerging threats to democratic norms in the West.

Lennard, Natasha and Sophie Lewis. “Some of Our Enemies Are Feminists.” Public Seminar, April 8, 2025. https://publicseminar.org/2025/04/some-of-our-enemies-are-feminists/

• AI Summary: In conversation, Lewis reflects on her book Enemy Feminisms, exploring how patriarchal and exclusionary feminist currents (from early‐20th-century suffragettes to contemporary TERFs) can dovetail with authoritarian politics and what anti-fascist feminists must learn from these “enemy” strategies.

McFaul, Michael. “The Tragic Success of Global Putinism: How the West Underestimated an Ideology’s Animating Force.” The Atlantic, March 10, 2025. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2025/03/tragic-success-global-putinism/681976/

• AI Summary: In this article, Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, argues that Vladimir Putin’s leadership is driven not merely by transactional power politics but by a coherent ideological vision aimed at undermining liberal democracy and reviving Russian imperial influence. Putinism, rooted in illiberal nationalism, conservative values, and opposition to the West, has expanded its influence globally, especially through support of far-right movements in Europe and the U.S. McFaul highlights the dangerous alliance between Putinism and American populist forces, notably during the Trump era, which has led to a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy favoring autocrats. The article calls for a renewed and organized defense of democracy against the growing appeal of illiberal nationalism worldwide.

Mounk, Yascha. “If America’s Democracy Fails, Can Other Ones Survive?” The Atlantic, March 2018. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/03/yascha-mounk-democracy/554786/

• AI Summary: Political scientist Yascha Mounk examines the global stakes of U.S. democratic backsliding, arguing that American exceptionalism has long underpinned other democracies and that a U.S. collapse would erode norms and embolden authoritarians worldwide.

Serwer, Adam. “Only the Right Can Defeat White Nationalism.” The Atlantic, August 21, 2019. https://www.atlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/08/the-right-bears-a-special-responsibility-in-the-fight-against-white-nationalism/596479/

• AI Summary: Adam Serwer argues that white nationalism is a greater threat to American democracy than jihadist terrorism. While law enforcement can address violence, defeating white nationalism requires political action, especially from conservatives, to reject racist ideology deeply rooted in U.S. history.

Stanley, Jason. “Why fascists hate universities.” The Guardian, September 5, 2024. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/sep/05/why-fascists-hate-universities-us-bangladesh-india

• AI Summary: Philosopher Jason Stanley shows how fascists and authoritarians target universities as bastions of free inquiry, detailing campaigns—from Modi’s India to Orbán’s Hungary and DeSantis’s Florida—to undermine academic freedom as a harbinger of broader democratic decline.

Stephan, Maria J. and Snyder, Timothy. “Authoritarianism is making a comeback. Here’s the time-tested way to defeat it.” The Guardian. June 20, 2017. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jun/20/authoritarianism-trump-resistance-defeat

• AI Summary: In their June 20, 2017 article for The Guardian, Maria J. Stephan and Timothy Snyder argue that authoritarianism is resurging globally, including in the United States under President Donald Trump. They emphasize that such regimes often employ tactics like attacking journalists, scapegoating minorities, and weakening institutional checks to consolidate power. However, they assert that these tactics require the consent of the populace, and the first step in resisting is to “not obey in advance.” Drawing from historical examples, they advocate for civil resistance—such as petitions, boycotts, and strikes—as a strategic and effective means to challenge authoritarianism. They highlight that mass, diverse participation can empower reformers and weaken the support base of hardliners. The article underscores the importance of maintaining hope and optimism to sustain popular participation in resistance efforts.

Walsh, David Austin. “Do You Want a ‘Unified Reich’ Mind-Set in the White House?” The New York Times, May 23, 2024. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/23/opinion/trump-unified-reich.html

• AI Summary: David Austin Walsh analyzes the growing infiltration of white nationalist and far-right extremist ideologies within the Republican Party, especially around Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. He highlights a disturbing trend where young GOP staffers and activists increasingly espouse white supremacist views, exemplified by Trump’s viral “unified reich” video and the presence of extremist figures in influential positions. Walsh traces this phenomenon historically, noting the long-standing but previously more covert alliance between mainstream conservatism and far-right extremists. He warns that the mainstreaming of MAGAism has brought such ideologies to the political forefront, risking that a second Trump administration could empower these factions to reshape government through aggressive purges and authoritarian tactics. The article calls for vigilance regarding the far right’s expanding influence in U.S. politics and governance.

Wilkinson, Annie. “Gender and Authoritarianism: A Framework for Analysis and Action.” Political Research Associates, April 2, 2025. https://politicalresearch.org/2025/04/02/gender-and-authoritarianism

• AI Summary: The article argues that authoritarian movements increasingly weaponize gender politics—particularly misogyny and patriarchal norms—as a core strategy to consolidate power and erode democratic institutions. It emphasizes that resisting authoritarianism requires recognizing gender justice as central to pro-democracy efforts, not peripheral.

Russia

Garner, Ian. 2023. “Russia’s Frighteningly Fascist Youth.” Foreign Policy, May 21, 2023. https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/05/21/russia-fascist-putin-war-youth-ian-garner-book-z-generation/

• Ian Garner’s article explores the rise of a new generation of Russian youth indoctrinated with nationalist and militaristic ideologies under President Vladimir Putin’s regime. State-sponsored organizations like the “Movement of the First” and the “Fraternity of the Academics” play pivotal roles in this ideological training. These groups, some with ties to sanctioned individuals, promote imperial ideals and anti-Western sentiments. Garner warns that such initiatives aim to perpetuate Putinism beyond his tenure, embedding these ideologies deeply within Russian society and future elites.

Gould‑Davies, Nigel. 2023. “How the War Has Changed Russia.” Survival: Global Politics and Strategy, April–May 2023. International Institute for Strategic Studies. https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis//2023/02/how-the-war-has-changed-russia

• AI Summary: In his February 2023 analysis for IISS, Nigel Gould‑Davies argues that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally reshaped the Kremlin’s internal power structure and societal contract. Before the war, Moscow maintained an informal bargain: the population remained politically passive, and the regime left everyday life largely undisturbed. After the invasion, this bargain collapsed—repression intensified, surveillance increased, and the government shifted from demobilizing the populace to aggressively mobilizing it for war. The Kremlin now depends heavily on elite cooperation, yet mounting sanctions, budget deficits, and elite disillusionment suggest that this support is increasingly coerced. While Russia exhibits characteristics of Soviet-style totalitarianism—propaganda, militarization, and censorship—it remains distinct due to the survival of private business, partial internet access, and the absence of a coherent ideological party. Ultimately, Gould‑Davies concludes, the war has pushed Russia toward a hybrid authoritarian-totalitarian system, beset by acute economic and societal strains.

Gould‑Davies, Nigel. 2022. “Putin’s War Has Moved Russia From Authoritarianism to Hybrid Totalitarianism.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 2022. https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2022/04/putins-war-has-moved-russia-from-authoritarianism-to-hybrid-totalitarianism?lang=en

• AI Summary: Nigel Gould-Davies argues that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine transformed its political regime from authoritarianism to a hybrid form of totalitarianism. The Kremlin replaced its former strategy of political demobilization with active control, including censorship, propaganda, and elite pressure. Though the system lacks a unifying ideology or single party, it now depends heavily on coercion and societal mobilization, making it both more repressive and potentially unstable.

Gozman, Leonid. “The Week in Fascism.” Novaya Gazeta Europe, November 22, 2023. https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2023/11/22/the-week-in-fascism-en

• AI Summary: Leonid Gozman’s November 2023 article in Novaya Gazeta Europe examines the deepening authoritarianism in Russia, highlighting the case of Sasha Skochilenko, who was sentenced to seven years in prison for a subtle anti-war protest—replacing supermarket price tags with anti-war messages. Gozman critiques the state’s increasing control over women’s rights, citing proposed legislation to criminalize abortion inducement and redirect young women from education to childbirth. He draws parallels to historical fascist regimes, noting the state’s rigid gender roles and suppression of dissent.The article also discusses the government’s harsh response to mothers and wives of mobilized soldiers protesting for their loved ones’ return, emphasizing the regime’s intolerance for opposition. Gozman concludes by highlighting the regime’s cruelty and the public’s indifference, suggesting that these developments reveal the true nature of Putin’s Russia

International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) and Global Diligence LLP. 2023. “Russia’s Digital Authoritarianism: The Kremlin’s Toolkit.” Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, September 4, 2023. https://iphronline.org/articles/russias-digital-authoritarianism-the-kremlins-toolkit/

• The 2023 report by IPHR and Global Diligence LLP examines Russia’s use of digital technologies to suppress dissent and control information. Key tools include the System of Operative Investigative Measures (SORM), which enables extensive surveillance of internet communications, and the “sovereign internet” initiative, aiming to isolate Russia’s internet infrastructure. The report also highlights the use of facial recognition systems and the Smart City program to monitor public spaces. These technologies are often supplied and maintained by state-affiliated entities, raising concerns about human rights violations and the erosion of privacy. The authors call for international efforts to disrupt the supply chains supporting these systems and to hold accountable those complicit in facilitating digital repression.

Khrushcheva, Nina. “Nina Khrushcheva on Putin’s Poisonous Nationalism and a New ‘New Russia’.” The New Yorker, March 15, 2022. https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/nina-khrushcheva-on-putins-poisonous-nationalism-and-a-new-new-russia

• AI Summary: Nina Khrushcheva discusses Putin’s nationalism as driven by a mix of Russian insecurities and imperial nostalgia. She contrasts his approach with earlier leaders who respected Ukraine, emphasizing the deepening Ukrainian national identity after the invasion. Khrushcheva criticizes both Putin’s aggression and NATO’s role, concluding that the war has permanently altered Russia-Ukraine relations.

Littell, Jonathan. “Call It Fascism: Jonathan Littell on the Trial of Oleg Orlov and Why Imprisoned Dissidents Are the Freest People in Today’s Russia.” Meduza, June 8, 2023. https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/06/08/calling-it-fascism

• AI Summary: In his June 2023 article for Meduza, Jonathan Littell discusses the trial of Oleg Orlov, a prominent Russian human rights advocate and co-founder of Memorial, who faces charges of “rehabilitating Nazism” and “discrediting the Russian military” for comparing Vladimir Putin’s regime to historical fascist governments. Littell argues that Orlov’s willingness to face imprisonment rather than flee exemplifies genuine patriotism and moral integrity. He contends that such dissidents, despite facing severe repression, represent the true moral conscience of Russia, as their defiance highlights the authoritarian nature of the current regime.

Meduza. 2025. “Meet the Student Anti-Fascist Front.” Meduza, March 25, 2025. https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/03/25/meet-the-student-anti-fascist-front

• AI Summary: The Student Anti-Fascist Front (SAF) emerged in 2024 from student protests at the Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH) against the establishment of the Ivan Ilyin Higher Political School, named after a 20th-century philosopher known for his fascist sympathies. Initially, SAF was a local initiative, but it quickly expanded to over 80 universities across Russia, uniting students under a broad anti-fascist and left-wing platform. SAF’s members encompass a wide range of ideologies, including Marxists, anarchists, and left-wing liberals, all united by a commitment to opposing fascism in education and advocating for genuine student representation. Despite facing repression and limited public support, SAF continues to organize covertly, aiming to challenge the ideological direction of Russian higher education

Shekhovtsov, Anton. “Putin’s Genocidal Quest for Symbolic Immortality.” Centre for Democratic Integrity, May 5, 2025. https://democratic-integrity.eu/anton-shekhovtsov-putins-genocidal-quest-for-symbolic-immortality/

• AI Summary: In his May 2025 article, Anton Shekhovtsov examines the psychological and ideological motivations behind Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, suggesting that the war is driven by Putin’s desire for “symbolic immortality.” Shekhovtsov argues that Putin’s immersion in Soviet-era narratives and his identification with historical figures like Stierlitz reflect a longing to restore a perceived lost grandeur. The article also discusses the role of Russian ultranationalism, historical revisionism, and propaganda in shaping the justification for the war. Shekhovtsov concludes that the war, rather than restoring Russia’s greatness, has led to widespread destruction and loss of life, undermining the very legacy Putin sought to reclaim

Zygar, Mikhail. “The Great Turn in Putin’s Post-Post-Modern Authoritarianism.” The Moscow Times, May 1, 2021.. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/05/01/the-great-turn-in-putins-post-post-modern-authoritarianism-a73802

• AI Summary: Mikhail Zygar outlines how Vladimir Putin’s regime has evolved from a postmodern authoritarianism—where ideological flexibility and manipulation of democratic facades prevailed—into a more rigid, repressive form of control. The shift became evident through increased censorship, persecution of opposition figures, and a narrative that no longer aims to persuade but to silence dissent entirely. The Kremlin’s stance reflects a loss of confidence in soft power tools and a turn toward overt suppression as the cornerstone of governance. Belarus

Dixon, Robyn. “In Lukashenko’s Dictatorship, Enemies Are Shamed and the West Is Shunned.” The Washington Post, August 13, 2022. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/13/lukashenkos-dictatorship-enemies-are-shamed-west-is-shunned/

• AI Summary: The article describes how Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko brutally represses dissent through humiliation tactics like forced “confession” videos, while Western sanctions and diplomatic efforts have failed to weaken his grip. Since the fraudulent 2020 election, the regime’s anti-extremism unit GUBOPiK targets activists, journalists, and opposition figures with arrests, torture, and public shaming. Despite international pressure, Lukashenko relies heavily on Russian support, tightening ties amid the war in Ukraine. The crackdown has decimated Belarus’s opposition, forcing many into exile or prison, while the regime uses propaganda and violent intimidation to maintain control. The piece highlights Belarus’s deepening authoritarianism and its geopolitical role as a loyal Russian ally.

Dudouet, Véronique, and Marc Vincent. 2017. “The House That Lukashenko Built: The Foundation, Evolution, and Future of the Belarusian Regime.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, May 2017. https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2017/05/the-house-that-lukashenko-built-the-foundation-evolution-and-future-of-the-belarusian-regime?lang=en

• AI Summary: This 2017 report explores how Alexander Lukashenko consolidated power in Belarus. It details his reliance on referendums, weak institutions, and a loyal security apparatus to maintain control since 1994. The regime centers on Soviet-style economic management, state dominance over the economy, and limited political competition. Despite providing stability to some, growing dependence on Russia and internal elite tensions suggest vulnerabilities. The analysis warns that without succession mechanisms or institutional depth, the system is fragile and prone to future disruption.

Gessen, Masha. 2020. “We Were Locked Up in One Country and Released Into Another.” The New Yorker, August 2020. https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/we-were-locked-up-in-one-country-and-released-into-another-horror-and-hope-as-protests-in-belarus-continue

• AI Summary: Masha Gessen reflects on Belarus’s 2020 protests following Lukashenko’s fraudulent reelection. Despite mass arrests—thousands detained, many tortured—the opposition persists. Gessen describes how regime brutality has unified Belarusians and spurred innovations: strikes, symbolic acts, and the Coordination Council formed in exile to push for free elections. The article argues that repression has only strengthened democratic resolve, and suggests change may come either through regime collapse or external pressure, particularly from Russia

Turkmenistan

Parfitt, Tom. 2006. “Bizarre, Brutal and Self‑Obsessed. Now Time’s Up for Turkmenistan’s Dictator.” The Guardian, December 21, 2006 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/dec/22/tomparfitt.mainsection

• The article portrays Saparmurat Niyazov’s authoritarian rule over Turkmenistan, marked by an extreme cult of personality, bizarre decrees, and suppression of all opposition. Despite the country’s gas wealth, citizens lived under tight state control with no political freedoms. After Niyazov’s death, the future of the regime remained uncertain.

RFERL Staff, “In Turkmenistan, Thugs and Tyranny,” The Washington Post, August 6, 2004, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/2004/08/06/in-turkmenistan-thugs-and-tyranny/5234d955-7644-4bee-8d5c-86600b252273/

• AI Summary: The article describes the harsh authoritarian regime of Turkmenistan under President Saparmurat Niyazov, highlighting widespread repression, political violence, and human rights abuses. It tells the personal story of a journalist’s kidnapping, torture, and threats by state security forces, illustrating the brutal tactics used to silence dissent. Despite Turkmenistan’s vast natural resources, the population faces poverty, limited education, and lack of political freedom. State institutions are merely façades masking the dictator’s absolute control, supported by a loyal elite that exploits the country’s wealth. The piece warns that international indifference only perpetuates the regime’s abuses and the suffering of the Turkmen people.

Stronski, Paul. “Turkmenistan at Twenty-Five: The High Price of Authoritarianism.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, January 30, 2017 https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2017/01/turkmenistan-at-twenty-five-the-high-price-of-authoritarianism?lang=en

• AI Summary: This article examines the development of Turkmenistan under its authoritarian leadership since independence in 1991. It highlights how the regime’s extreme centralization of power, pervasive personality cults, and suppression of political dissent have led to widespread human rights abuses and economic stagnation. The government controls all aspects of life, limiting freedoms and isolating the country internationally. Despite vast natural gas reserves, the benefits have largely failed to reach the population, exacerbating poverty and limiting development. The article warns that without reforms, Turkmenistan’s authoritarian system risks deepening social and economic problems, undermining long-term stability.

Tajikistan

Putz, Catherine. 2023. “The Tyranny of Fear in Tajikistan.” The Diplomat Magazine, September 2023. https://magazine.thediplomat.com/2023-09/the-tyranny-of-fear-in-tajikistan

• AI Summary: The article details how Tajikistan’s government, under President Emomali Rahmon, maintains power through a system of fear. Arbitrary arrests, torture, intimidation, and extrajudicial abductions send a clear warning to journalists, activists, lawyers, and families: any dissent can result in severe repercussions. Fear is employed to suppress public participation and ensure obedience, with relatives of critics often targeted in retaliation as well.

Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP). 2019. “Tajikistan on the Road to Totalitarianism.” SWP Research Paper, 2019. https://www.swp-berlin.org/10.18449/2019C10/

• AI Summary: This analysis shows how President Rahmon and his family have solidified control by passing laws granting him lifelong immunity and abolishing presidential term limits. Rahmon is now officially titled “Leader of the Nation,” and his children occupy top state and party positions. The ruling elite manipulated legal institutions and banned opposition parties to enforce an unwavering, dynastic grip on power.

Kyrgyzstan

Iskender, Bektour. 2024. “Kyrgyzstan Is Copying Russia’s Dictatorship. I Fear It Could Get Worse.” The Moscow Times, March 12, 2024. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/03/12/kyrgyzstan-is-copying-russias-dictatorship-i-fear-it-could-get-worse-a84431

• AI Summary: The author describes how Japarov and the parliament have implemented repressive legislation modeled after Russian laws: laws on “foreign agents,” tightened control over the media and civil society. Journalists and activists have been arrested, and the opposition suppressed.

Pannier, Bruce. 2024. “Kyrgyzstan: Central Asia’s Island of Democracy Sinks into Authoritarianism.” Foreign Policy Research Institute, May 2024 https://www.fpri.org/article/2024/04/kyrgyzstan-central-asias-island-of-democracy-sinks-into-authoritarianism/

• AI Summary: Once hailed as the region’s “island of democracy” due to its vibrant opposition parties, civil society, and independent media, Kyrgyzstan has dramatically shifted under President Sadyr Japarov’s rule. Key democratic institutions have been dismantled. The government cracked down on civil society and opposition through autocratic measures: adoption of “foreign agents” laws targeting NGOs and media, arrests of journalists, constitutional reforms increasing presidential power, and suppression of protests. Kyrgyzstan is now classified as a consolidated authoritarian regime, aligning structurally with Russia-style governance

Uzbekistan

Kharcenter. 2024. “The Evolution of Authoritarianism in Uzbekistan: Authoritarian Modernization.” Kharcenter. Accessed July 2025. https://kharcenter.com/en/publications/the-evolution-of-authoritarianism-in-uzbekistan-authoritarian-modernization.

• AI Summary: This report analyzes the evolution of Uzbekistan’s political system under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It highlights the consolidation of power by the executive, selective liberalization of the media, and systematic suppression of genuine opposition forces, depicting a model of “authoritarian modernization” rather than democratic reform.

Azerbaijan

Mammadbayli, Nijat. 2025. “From Reactive Oppression to Codified Authoritarianism.” Baku Research Institute, July 16, 2025 https://bakuresearchinstitute.org/en/from-reactive-oppression-to-codified-authoritarianism/

• AI Summary: In this article, Nijat Mammadbayli examines the evolution of authoritarianism in Azerbaijan, highlighting how the state has transitioned from reactive oppression to a more systematic and institutionalized form of authoritarian governance. The piece discusses the consolidation of power, suppression of dissent, and the codification of repressive measures, illustrating a shift towards a more entrenched authoritarian regime.

Serbia

Bechev, Dimitar. “Serbia’s Authoritarian (Re)turn.” Carnegie Europe, January 10, 2024. https://carnegieendowment.org/europe/strategic-europe/2024/01/serbias-authoritarian-return?lang=en

• AI Summary: In this article, Dimitar Bechev examines Serbia’s shift back toward authoritarianism under President Aleksandar Vučić. Although the country maintains a façade of electoral democracy, key institutions, including the media and judiciary, have been captured by the ruling party. The EU has largely turned a blind eye, prioritizing regional stability over democratic standards. However, growing domestic protests, particularly among students, signal potential for change from below. Bechev argues that the EU must rethink its strategy and support democratic reforms rather than appeasing autocratic leadership.

Milačić, Filip. “Why Aspiring Autocrats Are Watching Serbia.” Journal of Democracy (Online Exclusive), March 6, 2024 https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclusive/why-aspiring-autocrats-are-watching-serbia/

• AI Summary: In this article, Filip Milačić argues that Serbia is becoming a model for aspiring autocrats across the Balkans. President Aleksandar Vučić has undermined Serbian democracy through systematic electoral manipulation, voter intimidation, and the misuse of public resources. The December 2023 elections marked a turning point, with unusually blatant fraud that triggered mass protests. Despite clear evidence of irregularities, Western governments have largely stayed silent, prioritizing regional stability over democratic integrity. The article warns that if Vučić succeeds without consequences, other would-be strongmen in the region will feel emboldened to follow suit — potentially undermining democracy across the Western Balkans.

Hungary

Jukić, Ivana. “I Watched Hungary’s Democracy Dissolve into Authoritarianism as a Member of Parliament — and I See Troubling Parallels in Trumpism and Its Appeal to Workers.” The Conversation, April 10, 2024 https://theconversation.com/i-watched-hungarys-democracy-dissolve-into-authoritarianism-as-a-member-of-parliament-and-i-see-troubling-parallels-in-trumpism-and-its-appeal-to-workers-224930

• AI Summary: In this personal account, Ivana Jukić, a former Croatian parliamentarian, reflects on witnessing the gradual erosion of democracy in Hungary firsthand. She highlights how government control over the media, manipulation of the judiciary, and electoral distortions systematically dismantled democratic checks and balances. Jukić draws parallels between Hungary’s slide into authoritarianism and the rising populist-authoritarian tendencies in the United States, particularly under the influence of Trumpism. She warns that similar strategies—media manipulation, undermining institutions, and appealing to nationalist sentiments—threaten democratic norms beyond Hungary’s borders.

Szelényi, Zsuzsanna. “Hungary Enters a New Era of Autocracy.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 5, 2022. https://carnegieendowment.org/europe/strategic-europe/2022/04/hungary-enters-a-new-era-of-autocracy?lang=en The article discusses Hungary’s shift into an illiberal autocracy under Viktor Orbán after his 2022 electoral victory. It highlights the ruling party’s control over media, erosion of judicial independence, and weakening of democratic institutions. Despite EU concerns, Hungary continues consolidating power, serving as a warning about democratic decline in Europe.

Turkey

The Editorial Board. “Turkey’s People Are Resisting Autocracy. They Deserve More Than Silence.” The New York Times, April 27, 2025 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/27/opinion/turkey-istanbul-protests.html

• AI Summary: This editorial criticizes global silence in response to President Erdoğan’s growing authoritarianism, marked by the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. It argues that Turkey is rapidly dismantling democratic institutions and warns that Erdoğan’s consolidation of power threatens both domestic freedoms and regional stability. The piece urges democratic nations to speak out and support Turkish citizens resisting autocracy.

O’Donohue, Andrew. “Why Türkiye Is at a Tipping Point Between Democracy and Authoritarianism.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, March 26, 2025. https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2025/03/turkey-protests-erdogan-democracy-authoritarianism?lang=en

• AI Summary: In this article, Andrew O’Donohue argues that Türkiye stands at a critical juncture between democracy and authoritarianism following the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu. While Erdoğan benefits from international complacency and tight control over state institutions, mass protests across the country offer a potential turning point. Societal mobilization may pressure both domestic institutions and Western allies to push back against Erdoğan’s authoritarian drift.

Tol, Gonul. “Turkey Is Now a Full-Blown Autocracy: Why Erdogan May Come to Regret His Latest Power Grab.” Foreign Affairs, March 21, 2025 https://www.foreignaffairs.com/turkey/turkey-now-full-blown-autocracy-erdogan-imamoglu

• AI Summary: The article argues that Turkey has crossed the threshold from competitive authoritarianism into full autocracy under President Erdoğan. The arrest and disqualification of opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu signals a major escalation, removing a serious challenger ahead of future elections. Erdoğan’s increasing repression mirrors Putin’s consolidation of power in Russia, but the article warns that Turkey’s fragile economy and public dissatisfaction could undermine his long-term grip on power.