Headed Towards Authoritarianism?

The United States has long marketed itself as a global beacon of democracy—but recent developments suggest that status is far from guaranteed. According to the Center for Systemic Peace’s 2025 report, the U.S. is no longer considered a democracy and now teeters on the edge of autocracy. The report cites the second inauguration of Donald Trump, despite multiple criminal indictments and convictions, and the U.S. Supreme Court’s sweeping presidential immunity ruling in July 2024 as markers of this shift. Scholars have even labeled these events a “presidential coup.”

Erosion of Democratic Institutions

Political scientists are raising alarms about the decline of core democratic indicators. Issues like the competitiveness and integrity of elections, limits on executive authority, and the protection of civil liberties have all seen backsliding. Deepening partisan polarization and the rise of political extremism further erode the foundations of democracy, leaving institutions weakened and vulnerable.

Public Discontent and Polarization

Americans themselves are feeling the strain. Divisions run deep, trust in democratic institutions is eroding, and narrowly won elections highlight a growing disconnect between leadership and public will. Such fractures not only weaken democratic norms—they also open the door for authoritarian tendencies to gain a foothold.

The Path Forward

While these trends are troubling, the situation is not irreversible. Restoring a functioning democracy requires deliberate effort from all sectors of society. Strengthening the rule of law, ensuring judicial independence, and fostering civic engagement are critical steps in rebuilding public trust and protecting democratic processes.

The U.S. may be at a crossroads, but action and accountability remain the keys to reclaiming its democratic identity.