Is the <scp>US</scp> Moving Toward Autocracy? A Critical Assessment

ABSTRACT Using the theory of incremental autocratization, I illustrate in this commentary that recent developments in the United States perfectly align with this theory. In the analytical framework I use, incremental autocratization consists of six distinct step: (1) societal turmoil, (2) a proposition of radical change, (3) an electoral victory as point of departure, (4) the reconfiguration of the balance of power as well as the neutralization of checks and balances (5) securing power, and (6) limiting civil rights. I argue that as of March 2025, we are at stage 4. Mass firing in the bureaucracy, the excessive use of illegal or semi‐illegal executive orders, infringements of minority rights, attacks on academic freedom and the press, imperialism, and trade wars are all signs that Donald Trump is trying to crack down on the institutions and procedures of democracies. Of course, it is too early to say if this tendencies will succeed, but there is all reason for concern, even more so because Donald Trump has started to think about “loopholes” to stay in power beyond 2029, and has started to limit civil rights of some citizens residents.