The Weekly Telescope

Tag: Authoritarianism

  • Early Signs of Authoritarianism: What the Government and Its Citizens Reveal

    Early Signs of Authoritarianism: What the Government and Its Citizens Reveal

    Across the world, democratic institutions are showing signs of wear. Many nations—both young democracies and long-established ones—are slowly drifting toward authoritarianism or are becoming more tolerant of leaders with apparently authoritarian approaches to governance. What’s more troubling is that this drift doesn’t always start with violent coups or military takeovers. Often, it begins with subtle shifts—first in government behavior, then in the attitudes of its citizens.

    From Democracy to Autocracy: Government-Level Warning Signs

    According to studies from Freedom House, Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), and political scientists like Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt (How Democracies Die), the early symptoms of democratic decline include:

    • Weakening of institutions: Leaders bypass courts, weaken legislatures, and centralize power.
    • Attacks on the press and opposition: Independent journalism is labeled “fake news”; critics are treated as enemies.
    • Undermining electoral integrity: Rules are bent, votes suppressed, or results questioned.
    • Inflammatory nationalism: Leaders stir up “us versus them” rhetoric to divide society.
    • Militarization of politics: Police and military are used to suppress protests or intimidate dissent.
    • Incremental constitutional changes: Term limits are eliminated, and checks and balances eroded.

    These patterns have played out in countries like Hungary, Turkey, and Russia, where democratic structures were gradually hollowed out from within—often with the legal system as a tool of control.

    The Other Side of the Coin: What Citizens Reveal

    Yet governments don’t act in a vacuum. Citizens themselves show signs of enabling authoritarianism. Research by Yascha Mounk, Pippa Norris, and surveys like the World Values Survey reveal the following trends:

    • Declining commitment to democratic norms: Fewer people, especially the youth, view democracy as essential.
    • Support for strongman rule: Citizens begin to favor “strong leaders” who can “get things done,” even at the cost of democracy.
    • Deep polarization: Society divides into tribes where compromise is seen as betrayal.
    • Indifference and apathy: Many withdraw from civic duties, feeling their voices no longer matter.
    • Tolerating violence and censorship: Some justify political violence or suppression of dissent if it favors their side.

    In short: when enough people care more about power, comfort, or ideology than fairness, truth, or accountability, democracy withers.

    A Spiritual Dimension

    God intended for humanity to live free, joyful, and safe—not under the thumb of cruel or corrupt rulers. Scripture shows that He warned nations and removed kings when they became oppressive. But He also allowed tyrants to rise when His people disobeyed.

    “I gave you a king in My anger, and took him away in My wrath.” — Hosea 13:11

    When people turn from justice, ignore the cries of the poor, and tolerate corruption or abuse, God may allow unjust rulers as a form of correction. Authoritarianism, in that sense, is not just a political shift—it can be a spiritual consequence.

    But that’s not the end of the story.

    Beyond Corrupt Human Rule

    The Bible points us to a future beyond corrupt human rule. When Christ returns, He will establish a perfect government where justice, love, and truth prevail:

     “For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us.” — Isaiah 33:22

    Under Christ’s rule:

    • All leaders will be spiritually and morally perfected (Revelation 5:10).
    • Laws will be just and applied with gentle strength (Isaiah 11:4).
    • Every citizen—rich or poor—will be cared for (Psalm 72:4).
    • There will be no need for propaganda, police states, or manipulation (Micah 4:3-4).

    This is the kind of leadership God intended from the beginning.

    Final Word

    If mankind continues to fail to change its ways—if ordinary citizens and national leaders don’t reject selfishness, if they refuse to care for the marginalized, if they ignore the signs—we may soon find much of the world (including the most powerful nations) ruled not by servants of the people, but by strongmen who rule only for themselves. And not just in countries with authoritarian legacies, but even in places we now regard as bastions of democracy. This includes the United States and the democracies of Asia and Europe.

  • Is America Losing Its Role as Democracy’s Champion?

    Is America Losing Its Role as Democracy’s Champion?

    For much of the past century, the United States has stood as the “leader of the free world”, championing democracy, human rights, and freedom for oppressed peoples. From its role in defeating fascism in World War II to its Cold War stand against communism, America positioned itself as the global defender of liberty. Through institutions like Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), it broadcast the values of democracy to nations suffering under authoritarian rule.

    But that era may now be ending. The recent defunding and dismantling of U.S.-funded media organizations, the withdrawal from international alliances, and America’s inward turn under the Trump administration signal a dramatic shift. The United States is no longer the unwavering beacon of freedom it once was. And perhaps, this decline is not merely political—but something that is coming from God.

    A Nation Turning Inward: The End of Global Leadership?

    A couple of recent decisions by the U.S. government reflect a profound change in direction:

    • The Shutdown of Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty – These organizations, which once brought truth to people in authoritarian regimes, are now silent due to government defunding. Without them, America no longer counters the propaganda of China, Russia, and Iran, allowing these regimes to expand their influence unchecked.
    • Retreat from Global Institutions – The Trump administration has distanced America from international organizations such as the United Nations Human Rights Council and the World Health Organization, abandoning its role in shaping global policy.

    Many are asking: Is the United States still the champion of democracy, or is it becoming another empire in decline?

    God’s Judgment on America? The Biblical Perspective

    Throughout history, God has used oppressive governments or governments that make bad choices as a form of punishment to wake up His people from spiritual complacency. When ancient Israel and Judah turned away from God—embracing corruption, injustice, and idolatry—He allowed them to have weak or oppressive leaders which eventually led them to fall into captivity under the Assyrians and Babylonians.

    Could it be that America is following the same path?

    • The removal of America’s global influence may be God’s way of humbling a nation that has turned its back on Him.
    • The rise of authoritarian regimes across the world may be a wake-up call for God’s people to realize that America’s perceived power is nothing if not from God.

    America, like ancient Israel, has been blessed beyond measure—yet it has corrupted those blessings with moral decay, materialism, and rebellion against God’s laws. The consequences are now unfolding before our eyes.

    The Rise of a New Global Leader

    As America retreats, its enemies are scrambling to fill-up the leadership vacuum it is leaving.  Ultimately, another world power is being prepared to take its place—a power that will not defend democracy or individual freedom, but will instead dominate the world through authoritarian rule.

    • China’s expanding influence in Africa, Latin America, and the South Pacific is growing unchecked.
    • Russia’s aggressive expansion in Ukraine and beyond is being met with weak resistance.
    • The European Union, long divided, may soon unite under a strong leader who will reshape the world order.

    The world is being repositioned for a new era—an era foretold in Bible prophecy, where a global empire will rise and ultimately bring about the downfall of the United States and its influence.

    Daniel 2 and Revelation 17 speak of a final world power that will dominate in the last days. This power is coming into place now. And when it fully emerges, it will not tolerate America’s dominance.

    A Time to Seek God

    This is not a time for bitter political rivalries or misguided nationalism. This is a time to seek God.

    America is being removed from its position of global leadership, just as past empires were before it. God is allowing this so that His people will wake up and turn to Him before it is too late. Let those who have ears to hear, heed the warning.