Willem de Vlaming (february 2025)
21st Century western authoritarianism is intent on dismantling the checks and balances of: 1) domestic and international rule of law, 2) the principles of an open society, and 3) the foundations of rules-based diversity, equity, solidarity, and inclusion.
It is often defined by:
A personality cult with a leader that is above the law.
Concentration of power in a loyal elite with unchecked economic, administrative and political control.
A profound disdain for democratic norms, rule of law, and equality before law — dismantling independent institutions representing domestic and international rule of law, collaboration and the open society.
A profound aversion against systemic and administrative embedded social and economic solidarity, equity, welfare, minority rights, diversity, inclusion et cetera.
Scapegoating and weaponizing fear to silence critics, opposition and dissent, to create a culture of obedience and justify authoritarian crackdowns — embracing, misinformation, control over mainstream media, harassment and intimidation via social media, and in real life.
Normalization of ‘power politics’: threats, pressure or force are used against domestic and foreign opposition, adversaries, allies and friends — to extort cooperation, contribution or subservience.
Authoritarian language is characterized by a forceful and controlling tone, emphasizing the enforcement of obedience or agreement. The language is emotionally charged, polarizing, and strongly focused on maintaining control. It glorifies the leader, marginalizes opponents, and uses fear and propaganda to justify the status quo.
Authoritarian language is designed to mobilize the masses, suppress criticism, and enforce obedience, while creating an illusion of strength and unity.
Cult of personality: The leader is presented as an infallible, visionary figure.
Patriotic rhetoric: The state is portrayed as sacred and untouchable.
Creating a common enemy: Internal or external groups are blamed as the source of all problems.
Demonization: Dissenters are portrayed as traitors, enemies of the people, or subversive elements.
Fear-inducing language: Threats are exaggerated to enforce obedience.
Use of intimidation: Fear is sown through threats of punishment, repression, or social exclusion.
Simple, repetitive slogans: Core messages are endlessly repeated to create unity and suppress criticism.
Distortion of truth: Facts are altered to cast the regime in a positive light.
Restriction of free speech: Critical voices are suppressed or censored.
Deception and framing: Language is used to frame opponents negatively.
Distrust of experts: Intellectuals, journalists, or academics are often portrayed as enemies of the people.
Emphasis on simplicity: The regime promotes “common sense” as superior to complex analysis.
Justification of power: The regime presents itself as the only legitimate source of authority.
Exclusion of alternatives: Alternative political ideas are depicted as dangerous.
Militaristic language: Words like “struggle,” “enemy,” and “victory” are used to legitimize power.
Emphasis on order and obedience: Chaos is presented as the result of insufficient authority.
Use of emotions: Words appeal to pride, fear, or anger to encourage obedience.
Simplification of complex issues: Problems are presented with overly simple solutions.
Use of symbols: National flags, songs, and historical references are used to foster unity.
Historical justification: The regime legitimizes its policies by invoking grand historical events or traditions.
Cult of personality and loyalty to the (charismatic) leader.
Concentration of power and nepotism: dismantling of checks and balances.
Erosion of the rule of law, open society, and universal values.
Conformism: aversion to diversity, pluralism, opposition, and criticism.
Rejection of socialism, liberalism, trade unions, social policy, international organizations, and NGOs.
Mass rallies filled with strong emotions and symbolism.
Extreme nationalism and the pursuit of “restored lost glory.”
Rhetoric of violence and intimidation as a means of solving problems.
Polarization to strengthen one’s own power.
Attacks on science, method, knowledge, and facts.
Scapegoating of minorities, “others,” and opponents.
Intimidation and violence by paramilitary groups or party members.
Loyal media: dominating communication through “fake news.”
Traditional values, traditions, structures, and roles.
Aversion to diversity, pluralism, opposition, and criticism.
Detection and suppression of diversity and pluralism.
Censorship and self-censorship.
Ideologization of education and culture.
Open societies are societies that uphold: rule of law, separation of powers, human rights, minority protections, freedom of press, and civil society engagement. Open societies foster tolerance, diversity, and inclusion in a globalized world; focusing on human rights, justice, accountability, transparency, and equality.
Emphasis is on checks and balances and institutional safeguards as protection against authoritarian backsliding. Open societies are those that can integrate migration, cultural pluralism, and technological change while maintaining democratic norms. It constitutes a practical benchmark for governance and civil society.
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is a system of government in which power is derived from the people and constrained by a constitution that guarantees fundamental rights, freedoms --- and checks and balances between legislative, executive and judiciary powers;
fosters transparency, pluralism, and the free exchange of ideas, enabling individuals to question authority, engage in public debate, and shape collective decisions without fear of repression;
upholds the rule of law, ensuring that laws apply equally to all, and that democratic institutions are accountable and just.
Such a open society actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing the equal dignity and worth of all individuals regardless of background, identity, or belief. It seeks to eliminate systemic barriers, ensure fair opportunities, and amplify marginalized voices. At its core, it is also built on a spirit of solidarity, encouraging social cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the common good, enabling a society where all can participate, belong, and thrive.
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The concept of "the open society" is most famously associated with philosopher Karl Popper, who explored it in his influential work The Open Society and Its Enemies (1945). His core concepts were:
1. Freedom of Thought and Expression
An open society values and protects individual freedom, particularly the freedom to speak, think, criticize, and dissent. People can challenge authority and question prevailing ideologies without fear of repression.
2. Democratic Governance
It operates under democratic institutions that are transparent, accountable, and responsive to citizens. Leaders can be removed without violence through free and fair elections.
3. Rule of Law
Laws apply equally to all citizens, and legal systems are independent from political influence. People have legal protections against arbitrary power.
4. Pluralism and Tolerance
Open societies embrace diversity—of culture, religion, ethnicity, and opinion—and encourage peaceful coexistence and dialogue between different groups.
5. Critical Thinking and Scientific Inquiry
Popper emphasized the importance of critical rationalism—the idea that all knowledge is provisional and should be tested and questioned. This supports a society that fosters education, inquiry, and skepticism.
6. Openness to Change
An open society is dynamic, not static. It adapts to new ideas, social change, and innovations, rather than clinging to rigid traditions or dogmas.
In contrast, "closed societies" (as Popper described regimes like Nazi Germany or Soviet Communism) are authoritarian, dogmatic, and hostile to dissent or change.