On ‘Radio Times:’ Why are countries electing authoritarians?

On Thursday’s Radio Times, host Marty Moss-Coane delved into the appeal and causes of authoritarianism, at home and abroad.

France’s presidential election is this Sunday, and the world is watching to see if they will opt for authoritarianism by electing Marine Le Pen.  The rise of such leaders has upended the international order in recent years, and the list of countries currently ruled by so-called ‘strongmen’ is long, and arguably includes the United States. On Thursday’s Radio Times, host Marty Moss-Coane delved into the appeal and causes of authoritarianism, at home and abroad.

Marty was joined by professor of History and Human Rights at Hunter College and the Graduate Center at CUNY, Manu Bhagavan. He claims that the “globalization of economy, of conflict, and of crises” are the reasons voters are opting for authoritarians, adding that “the problems that we face are international in nature, and no one government can address the solution.”

Marty was also joined by Howard Lavine, professor of psychology and political science at the University of Minnesota. He discussed the mind of an authoritarian voter. Lavine, in discussing the election of President Trump said “it’s not that authoritarianism is increasing. Rather, it’s that levels of authoritarianism that are stable in the public are becoming politicized.”

To hear more about the perceived rise in authoritarianism, listen to the full interview on Radio Times.