Why journalists are reluctant to call Trump an authoritarian – and why that matters for democracy
- Written by Karrin Vasby Anderson, Professor of Communication Studies, Colorado State University
A free election can still result in authoritarian rule.Photo illustration: Douglas Rissing, iStock/Getty Images PlusIn an authoritarian state, the leader engages in unconstitutional or undemocratic practices for the purpose of consolidating power.
Key components of authoritarianism include rejecting democratic rules; denying the legitimacy of...








