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The Conversation USA

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
imageA free election can still result in authoritarian rule.Photo illustration: Douglas Rissing, iStock/Getty Images Plus

In 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...

Read more: Why journalists are reluctant to call Trump an authoritarian – and why that matters for democracy

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