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The world did absolutely suddenly become more authoritarian in the past ten years (the US, China and Russia all have become more authoritarian and so have many
by patrec 3y ago
The world did absolutely suddenly become more authoritarian in the past ten years (the US, China and Russia all have become more authoritarian and so have many other countries). We're not back to 1940s levels of authoritarianism yet, but if that happens it will be much worse this time around thanks to technical progress.
- n4r9 3y agoI can appreciate the argument. The US for example has moved to illegalise abortions and be hostile towards immigrants. And to some extent there was a global move away from authoritarianism in the late 20th C which seems to be stalling. But you can't forget that the US even in mid/late 20th and early 21st centuries underwent a host of authoritarian changes: * Prosecuting unjustified (and in some cases unpopular) wars in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq * Aggressive support of violent coups and regime changes in South America and the Middle East, usually in favour of right-wing authoritarian strongmen * Illegalising psychoactive substances for medical or recreational use, simultaneous with testing those drugs on unwitting US citizens * Spying and surveillance against US journalists and activitists * Political suppression and even persecution of left-wing ideas * Increasing militarisation of police and use of violent means such as tear gas or rubber bullets to control protests