Is the presidency of Donald Trump influencing authoritarian tendencies globally—particularly in Africa?
To assess this properly, we need analytical clarity rather than rhetorical framing. Authoritarianism does not spread through personality alone. It spreads through incentives, institutional erosion, and geopolitical signaling. Below is a structured analysis. I. What Is “Authoritarian Drift”? In political science, authoritarian drift refers to: Weakening judicial independence Politicizing security forces Undermining electoral integrity Concentrating executive power Delegitimizing media Extending tenure beyond constitutional norms This phenomenon has been documented globally over the last 15 years—not beginning with Trump. Scholars often cite: Democratic backsliding in Eastern Europe Executive aggrandizement in parts of Latin America Entrenched incumbency in several African states So the trend predates and exceeds any single U.S. administration. II. Did Trump Normalize Executive Aggression? Trump’s presidency was marked by: Confrontational rhetoric tow...