The article argues that a second Trump presidency poses a significant threat to American democracy, potentially leading to a system of competitive authoritarianism. This wouldn't involve a complete overthrow of the constitutional order, but rather a manipulation of existing institutions to disadvantage the opposition.
Key aspects of this threat include the weaponization of government agencies. This involves using the power of institutions like the Justice Department, IRS, and FBI to target political opponents through investigations, lawsuits, and selective enforcement of laws. The article details how this could unfold across various sectors – targeting political donors, media outlets, universities, and businesses.
Despite the risks, the article identifies potential sources of resilience within American institutions: an independent judiciary, federalism, and a robust civil society. However, it also highlights the danger of self-censorship and the withdrawal of opposition forces in the face of government pressure, ultimately weakening democratic resistance.
The author concludes that the U.S. Constitution alone cannot guarantee the preservation of democracy. The success of democratic forces hinges on their continued engagement and resistance against the potential for competitive authoritarianism, which would manifest not through violent overthrow but through subtle erosion of democratic norms and institutions.