The tyranny hiding in democracy

THOSE who venture into bookshops often might have noticed an increase in political literature on tyranny.

- LORENZO A DAVIDS

It's popular reading currently because, quite bizarrely, it's a popular form of government. Whereas old-school dictators ruled through fear, violence, and a little bit of ideology, Sergei Guriev and Daniel Treisman, in their 2022 book Spin Doctors: The Changing Face of Tyranny in the 21st Century, see the rise of “media-savvy strongmen” who are “redesigning authoritarian rule” to fit the modern and sophisticated world.

Russia's President Putin and China's President Xi have both extended their presidential terms. Putin amended Russia's constitution in 2020 to allow him to be in office till 2036. President Xi of China was given an unending third term in 2018. China now has a President for life. Upon hearing this, then 45th US President Trump said “President for life... I think it’s great. Maybe we'll have to give that a shot some day.” Well, that day is here, and he is gearing up to be re-confirmed in 2028. Note I did not say re-elected.