Autocracy in America: Consolidating Power

Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Autocracy in America
• Host/Author: The Atlantic
• Description: There are authoritarian tactics already at work in the United States. To root them out, you have to know where to look.
• Episode: Consolidate Power
• Release Date: September 20, 2024

1. Introduction: Recognizing Authoritarian Tactics in the U.S. ([00:59] - [03:40])

The episode opens with Peter Pomerantsev, a senior fellow at the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, discussing his experiences under authoritarian regimes. He highlights a "sense that the institutions of the state, the police, the tax services, the bureaucracy, they're essentially these sort of dangerous animals that are not working for you, but working in the interests of the powerful" ([00:59]). Ann Applebaum, a staff writer at The Atlantic, elaborates on the concept of state capture, using Poland between 2015 and 2023 as a case study. They emphasize that authoritarianism isn't a distant threat but a present danger within democratic frameworks.

2. Historical Case Study: Huey Long and the Louisiana Dictatorship ([03:01] - [13:34])

Richard White, author of Kingfish, a biography of Huey Long, provides an in-depth look at Huey Long, a prominent Louisiana politician in the 1930s who exemplified the consolidation of power akin to dictatorial regimes.

• Early Political Career and Rise to Power ([03:16] - [07:05]): Long's charismatic approach and populist policies garnered significant support. He promised extensive reforms, such as building infrastructure and providing free school books, which initially benefited Louisiana, one of the poorest states at the time.

• Shift to Authoritarianism ([07:05] - [09:33]): As Long imposed ambitious projects, his methods became increasingly autocratic. When faced with opposition, he resorted to smear campaigns, such as falsely accusing a war hero of having syphilis ([07:44] - [08:07]). A blockade of impeachment efforts ensued, where Long bribed senators to survive charges of corruption and misconduct ([08:07] - [08:33]).

• Consolidation of Power ([09:01] - [12:24]): Long's playbook included capturing the legislature, dominating independent institutions, intimidating the media, and employing violence. Peter Pomerantsev summarizes Long’s steps: "capture the legislature, take over independent institutions, intimidate the media, and then you employ violence" ([09:33], [12:24]). Long's regime led to enduring socio-economic issues in Louisiana, highlighting the long-term detrimental effects of his authoritarian rule ([13:15]).

• Modern Implications ([13:28] - [13:34]): The episode draws parallels between Long’s tactics and contemporary political moves in Louisiana, suggesting that the seeds of authoritarianism planted in the past continue to influence present-day politics.

3. Modern-Day Parallels: Authoritarian Tendencies in Contemporary Politics ([13:34] - [18:23])

The discussion shifts to recent political developments in Louisiana, where Governor Jeff Landry proposed a rushed constitutional convention without public consultation ([13:34] - [15:03]). Ashley Kennedy Shelton, founder of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, criticizes the move as a tactic to centralize power, mirroring Long's strategies ([14:30] - [15:03]).

• Normalization of Authoritarian Tactics ([16:03] - [17:17]): Shelton warns that such attempts to alter state constitutions without transparency could set a precedent for similar actions nationwide. This reflects a broader strategy where authoritarian practices seeded in the Deep South can proliferate across the country ([16:03] - [17:17]).

• Threats at the Federal Level ([17:17] - [18:23]): The conversation explores the vulnerability of U.S. federal institutions to similar tactics. Amanda Carpenter, former communications director for Senator Ted Cruz and current executive at Protect Democracy, emphasizes how modern-day authoritarians could manipulate federal agencies to consolidate power ([19:21] - [19:52]).

4. Mechanisms of Power Consolidation in Modern Government ([18:24] - [23:28])

The episode delves into specific strategies that could undermine democratic institutions:

• Manipulation of Federal Agencies ([19:21] - [20:28]): Amanda Carpenter discusses Schedule F, a proposed classification that would allow the President to remove career civil servants easily. She explains how this could enable the replacement of experienced bureaucrats with loyalists ([19:59] - [20:28]).

  "Restoring the President's authority to remove rogue bureaucrats, and I will wield that power very aggressively." ([20:07] - Amanda Carpenter)

• Control Over the Judiciary and Bureaucracy ([20:28] - [22:27]): By appointing loyalists to key positions within the judiciary and other independent bodies, an authoritarian leader can ensure unchallenged power. Peter Pomerantsev highlights how such manipulation can lead to censorship and bias in crucial regulatory agencies like the FCC.

  "Should Donald Trump be successful in implementing his ideas to take away many of these career civil servants and replace them with his loyalists." ([21:04] - Ann Applebaum)

• Intimidation and Censorship of the Media ([22:27] - [23:28]): The normalization of attacking the media undermines public trust and restricts dissent, essential for a functioning democracy. Amanda Carpenter points out the ease with which media outlets could be targeted once loyalists control regulating bodies.

  "If there is someone who actively seeks out to abuse those powers, and that is something that authoritarians explicitly do." ([22:49] - Amanda Carpenter)

5. Risks to the Military and Law Enforcement Institutions ([23:28] - [30:22])

The episode explores the critical role of the military in maintaining democratic integrity.

• Tom Nichols on Civil-Military Relations ([25:03] - [27:16]): Tom Nichols, professor emeritus at the Naval War College, discusses the importance of ethical standards within the military that resist political interference. He warns that without these safeguards, the military could be co-opted to support authoritarian agendas.

  "Everything in this country operates on the functional equivalent of a handshake. ... Democracies function on trust." ([26:10] - Tom Nichols)

• Potential for Military Misuse ([27:16] - [30:22]): The conversation outlines scenarios where the military could be used domestically to intimidate civilians or manipulate electoral processes. Peter Pomerantsev references extremist proposals, such as using the military to "protect" elections, which would effectively be a military coup.

  "Most Americans would find scary and many others would find, and I'm one of them, would find deeply objectionable and un American. That's functionally a military coup." ([30:08] - Tom Nichols)

6. Conclusion: The Fragility of Democratic Norms and Institutions ([30:22] - [32:18])

The episode concludes by emphasizing the delicate balance of democratic institutions and the ease with which they can be undermined through coordinated authoritarian tactics. Ann Applebaum and Peter Pomerantsev stress the necessity of vigilance and active resistance to protect against the erosion of democratic norms.

"If you have a handful, five, six in the right positions, and then they can deftly use the chain of command to issue orders that are not obviously illegal, or at least illegal on their face." ([30:33] - Tom Nichols)

Teaser for Next Episode: The hosts hint at exploring international democratic alliances and ongoing global fights against authoritarian regimes in the next episode.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Pomerantsev ([00:59]):
  "One of the main features that I experienced when I lived under authoritarian regimes is this sense that the institutions of the state... they're captured."

• Richard White ([03:23]):
  "As a former governor and later a U.S. senator from Louisiana, Huey Long dove headfirst into spending."

• Amanda Carpenter ([19:59]):
  "Donald Trump has said explicitly on day one of his presidency he's going to Implement an order known as Schedule F."

• Tom Nichols ([26:10]):
  "We have imbued our men and women in uniform with the idea that interfering in politics is repulsive to them."

Final Thoughts

"Consolidate Power" serves as a compelling examination of how authoritarian tactics, historically embodied by figures like Huey Long, can resurface in modern democratic contexts. Through expert insights and historical parallels, the podcast underscores the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions against the subtle erosion of checks and balances. Listeners are encouraged to remain vigilant and proactive in defending the democratic values that underpin American society.