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How has authoritarianism influenced public policies in recent times?

Leitha Streat

Well, the influence of authoritarianism on public policies in recent times has been a topic of concern and debate all over the world. It's evident that the actions taken by authoritarian leaders have a significant impact on the decisions made by governments.

One of the most prominent ways in which authoritarianism has influenced public policies is by undermining democratic values and principles. Authoritarian leaders tend to seek total control over their citizens and the government, which leads to the suppression of opposition parties and critical thinkers.

This, in turn, leads to the creation of policies that disregard the interests and needs of the people. For example, in countries such as China and Russia, the power of the state is used to control the internet and limit freedom of speech and expression.

Another way in which authoritarianism has influenced public policies is by promoting nationalism. Authoritarian leaders often exploit nationalist sentiments to create policies that portray their country as superior, leading to actions such as increasing military spending or cutting down on foreign aid.

Authoritarianism also encourages the creation of policies that benefit the leaders or their supporters, rather than the masses. This results in the diversion of resources and funding into projects that have no direct impact on the people.

Moreover, it is essential to note that authoritarianism's influence on public policies isn't limited to countries governed by dictators; in democracies, it is possible for authoritarian policies to gain ground through processes such as populism.

For example, in the United States, the recent Trump presidency was accused of promoting authoritarian policies such as xenophobia and racism, which led to the immigration crisis and the separation of families at the US-Mexico border.

In conclusion, authoritarianism's influence on public policies is an issue that keeps popping up in modern societies. It is a menace to democracy and the rights and opportunities of citizens. Governments and leaders must prioritize citizens' welfare and ensure that policies and decisions are democracy-driven and serve the greater good.