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The Autocratic Middle Class: The Rise of Authoritarianism in Global Democracies

J.R.R. Tolkien

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Published in The Autocratic Middle Class: How State Dependency Reduces The Demand For Democracy (Princeton Studies In Political Behavior 26)

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The autocratic middle class is a growing threat to democratic institutions around the world. This phenomenon is characterized by the rise of a middle class that is increasingly supportive of authoritarian leaders and policies. This trend is particularly concerning because the middle class has traditionally been seen as a bulwark against authoritarianism.

The Autocratic Middle Class: How State Dependency Reduces the Demand for Democracy (Princeton Studies in Political Behavior 26)

The Autocratic Middle Class: How State Dependency Reduces the Demand for Democracy (Princeton Studies in Political Behavior Book 26)

by Lizzie Collingham

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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There are a number of factors that have contributed to the rise of the autocratic middle class. One factor is the growing economic inequality that has occurred in many countries in recent years. This inequality has led to a sense of economic insecurity among many middle-class households, which has made them more receptive to authoritarian leaders who promise to restore economic order.

Another factor that has contributed to the rise of the autocratic middle class is the decline of trust in democratic institutions. This decline has been caused by a number of factors, including the perceived failure of democratic governments to address the economic crisis, the rise of social media, and the spread of misinformation.

The autocratic middle class poses a serious threat to democratic institutions. This threat is particularly concerning because the middle class has traditionally been seen as a bulwark against authoritarianism. However, the rise of the autocratic middle class suggests that this assumption is no longer valid.

The Causes of the Autocratic Middle Class

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the rise of the autocratic middle class. These factors include:

Economic inequality: The growing economic inequality that has occurred in many countries in recent years has led to a sense of economic insecurity among many middle-class households. This insecurity has made them more receptive to authoritarian leaders who promise to restore economic order.
Decline of trust in democratic institutions: The decline of trust in democratic institutions has been caused by a number of factors, including the perceived failure of democratic governments to address the economic crisis, the rise of social media, and the spread of misinformation. This decline in trust has made people more likely to support authoritarian leaders who promise to take action against corruption and restore order.
Cultural factors: Cultural factors can also play a role in the rise of the autocratic middle class. In some countries, there is a long history of authoritarian rule. This history can make people more tolerant of authoritarian leaders and policies.

The Consequences of the Autocratic Middle Class

The rise of the autocratic middle class has a number of serious consequences for democratic institutions. These consequences include:

Erosion of democratic values: The autocratic middle class is more supportive of authoritarian values and policies. This support can lead to the erosion of democratic values, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the rule of law.
Weakening of democratic institutions: The autocratic middle class is more likely to support authoritarian leaders who weaken democratic institutions. This can lead to the consolidation of power in the hands of a single leader or a small group of leaders.
Increased political polarization: The rise of the autocratic middle class has contributed to increased political polarization in many countries. This polarization can make it difficult to find common ground and compromise between different political groups.

How to Counter the Autocratic Middle Class

There are a number of things that can be done to counter the autocratic middle class. These include:

Addressing economic inequality: One of the most important ways to counter the autocratic middle class is to address economic inequality. This can be done through policies such as raising the minimum wage, increasing access to affordable housing, and investing in public education.
Restoring trust in democratic institutions: It is also important to restore trust in democratic institutions. This can be done by making these institutions more responsive to the needs of the people, and by fighting corruption.
Promoting democratic values: It is also important to promote democratic values, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the rule of law. This can be done through education and outreach programs.

The rise of the autocratic middle class is a serious threat to democratic institutions around the world. However, there are a number of things that can be done to counter this threat. By addressing economic inequality, restoring trust in democratic institutions, and promoting democratic values, we can help to protect our democracies from the threat of authoritarianism.

The Autocratic Middle Class: How State Dependency Reduces the Demand for Democracy (Princeton Studies in Political Behavior Book 26)

by Lizzie Collingham

5 out of 5