How To Spot Authoritarianism — and Choose Democracy | Ian Bassin | TED

Summary

The speaker recounts his experience as a lawyer for the new president in 2009, highlighting the importance of adhering to democratic norms. He warns of the rise of authoritarian movements worldwide and outlines their seven-step playbook to dismantle democracies. The speaker emphasizes the power of individual choices in protecting democracy, citing examples of both democracy-saving and democracy-destroying actions. He concludes by urging citizens to make choices that fortify democracy, drawing on the collective responsibility to safeguard democratic values.

Takeaways

• 🕴️ The speaker was unexpectedly entrusted with binders containing crucial information on the roles and limitations of White House staff, highlighting the importance of tradition and norms in governance.
• 🤝 The consistency of rules across different administrations, regardless of party affiliation, underscores the bipartisan respect for established norms in the White House.
• 🚫 The acknowledgment that most rules are not legally binding but are followed as a matter of tradition and choice, indicating the vulnerability of these norms to being disregarded.
• ⚖️ The speaker's concern post-2016 election about the potential for leaders to organize political movements against established norms, reflecting a global trend towards authoritarianism.
• 🌍 The rise of authoritarian movements worldwide that aim to replace liberal democracy, often through a playbook of seven steps including politicizing institutions and inciting violence.
• 🏆 The story of Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss exemplifies the resilience and courage of individuals standing up for democracy against false accusations and intimidation.
• 📉 The historical lesson that mainstream parties choosing to align with extremist factions can have dire consequences, as seen in the rise of authoritarian regimes in the mid-20th century.
• 🗳️ The speaker calls for citizens to make democracy-saving choices, not just in elections but in everyday interactions, emphasizing the power of collective action to uphold democratic values.
• 🤝 The importance of treating differences among citizens as opportunities for connection rather than sources of division, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy.
• 🌟 The optimistic view that the current challenges may be a necessary step towards a more inclusive and true democracy, encouraging citizens to open their hearts and minds to change.

Q & A

What was the urgent message the speaker received during the American presidential inauguration in 2009?

The speaker received an urgent message to pick up a package at a random address in Washington, DC, while he was at the inaugural ball wearing a tuxedo.

What was contained in the plastic grocery bag handed to the speaker by the doorman?

The bag contained three thick binders with the speaker's name written on a Post-it note, which were intended to guide his work in the White House counsel's office.

What was the significance of the binders the speaker was given?

The binders contained historical memos from the Eisenhower era, outlining the do's and don'ts for White House staff and executive branch officials, serving as a guide for the speaker's role in the White House counsel's office.

How did the speaker and his colleagues handle questions not answered in the binders?

If the binders did not contain an answer, the speaker would consult the lawyer who served under President Bush, and if needed, they would call the lawyer who served under President Clinton.

What is the nature of the rules contained in the binders?

The rules in the binders are mostly traditions and customs, not legally binding, which means they are a choice and can be followed or ignored.

What concerns did the speaker and his fellow council alumni have after the 2016 American presidential election?

They were concerned about what would happen if a leader chose not to follow the established rules and norms, potentially organizing a political movement against them.

What is the name of the organization the speaker and his colleagues launched, and what is its purpose?

The organization is called 'Protect Democracy', and its purpose is to apply the knowledge from the binders to prevent the erosion of democracy in the United States.

How do modern authoritarian movements typically dismantle democracies, according to the speaker?

Modern authoritarian movements often dismantle democracies by coming to power through elections and then dismantling the system from within, following a consistent playbook seen across various countries.

What are the seven steps outlined in the 'authoritarian playbook' as described by the speaker?

The seven steps include: 1) Politicizing independent institutions, 2) Spreading disinformation, 3) Aggrandizing executive power and undermining checks and balances, 4) Quashing dissent, 5) Scapegoating and delegitimizing vulnerable groups, 6) Corrupting elections, and 7) Inciting violence.

Why do some people find authoritarianism tempting during times of rapid change and uncertainty?

During such times, people may feel anxiety about the future and perceive democracy and politics as broken. An all-powerful leader might seem like a solution to cut through complexities without needing to negotiate or face legal challenges.

What is the key message the speaker conveys about the power of individual choices in maintaining democracy?

The speaker emphasizes that democracy is maintained or eroded based on the choices citizens make, both in elections and in their daily lives as participants in a democracy.

How did Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss exemplify a democracy-saving choice?

Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, despite facing false accusations and threats, chose to stand up by bringing lawsuits against those who defamed them and testified before Congress, thus defending democracy.

What historical lesson does the speaker draw from the actions of center-right parties in Europe between World War I and World War II?

The speaker contrasts the choices of center-right parties in Belgium and Finland, who united with the left to block autocrats, with those in Italy and Germany, who chose to ally with the far right, leading to tragic outcomes.

What is the speaker's perspective on the current state of democracy in the United States?

The speaker views the current challenges as a crucial moment where democracy is being tested, but he is hopeful that by making the right choices, true democracy can emerge stronger.

What is the significance of the Leonard Cohen song verse quoted by the speaker?

The verse from 'Democracy' by Leonard Cohen is used to reflect on the potential for positive change and the importance of opening hearts to one another, which the speaker believes is crucial for the advancement of democracy.