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The Seven Steps of the "Authoritarian Playbook"

    Gary Wright II
    By Gary Wright II3 views

    The seven steps of the "authoritarian playbook" were identified by the organization Protect Democracy to describe the tactics used by aspiring autocrats to gradually undermine democratic norms and consolidate power. This process is distinct from the military coups of the past, happening piece by piece to normalize and legitimize power grabs.

    The seven steps are:

    1. Politicizing independent institutions: Authoritarians attack independent functions of the government, such as the judiciary, intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and central banks. The goal is to capture or neutralize these checks on their power.
    2. Spreading disinformation: While politicians may engage in "spin," authoritarians systematically propagate and amplify falsehoods to confuse the public and undermine the notion of objective truth. This disinformation often takes the form of coordinated efforts through aligned media outlets and other channels.
    3. Aggrandizing executive power: Authoritarians weaken the other branches of government—such as legislatures and courts—and justify expanding their own power. This can involve rewriting rules or simply staffing competing institutions with loyalists.
    4. Quashing dissent: Aspiring autocrats seek to silence opposition and criticism from a strong, independent press and political opponents. This can take many forms, from rhetoric to punitive actions.
    5. Scapegoating vulnerable communities: Authoritarians attack marginalized or minority groups to sow division and turn parts of the population against one another. This strategy reinforces solidarity among their own supporters and demonizes those deemed "outsiders".
    6. Corrupting elections: Rather than openly rigging elections, modern authoritarians maintain the facade of democracy while tilting the rules in their favor. This can include suppressing votes, biasing election administration, and even attempting to overturn results.
    7. Stoking violence: Autocrats can use or deliberately turn a blind eye to political violence. This tactic can intimidate opponents, justify new restrictions on civil liberties, and discourage voters from participating.