A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran has left Americans unsettled as Independence Day approaches, with fears of a potential war and increased terrorist threat looming. Experts warn that such anxiety can embolden authoritarian tendencies, as people might trade civil liberties for a sense of security. Steven Levitsky cautions that real or manufactured emergencies provide fertile ground for those in power to increase their control. In California, particularly Los Angeles, this intersection of domestic and foreign policy is particularly evident, as the Trump administration explores opportunities to extend its influence amid global tensions.
"Autocrats almost always use emergencies, sometimes real ones, sometimes exaggerated ones, and sometimes invented ones ... to accumulate power," said Steven Levitsky.
Hiroshi Motomura emphasized that the trade-off between safety and civil liberties is evident, especially in the context of Trump's policies on immigration and foreign affairs.
Experts note that societal anxiety about external threats can fuel authoritarianism, making it crucial for citizens to maintain their commitment to civil rights.
California, particularly Los Angeles, is portrayed as a test case for how the Trump administration intersects domestic and international policies to expand its authority.
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