Terminology for Our Times

Authoritarianism

Authoritarianism is a political system characterized by the rejection of political plurality, the trend toward highly concentrated power, and reductions in democracy, civil liberties, and rule of law. It features limited political pluralism, legitimacy based on emotional appeals rather than democratic processes, minimal political mobilization, and ill-defined executive powers that extend the power of the ruler. Authoritarian regimes typically maintain control through political repression, exclusion of potential challengers, and the use of mass organizations to mobilize people around regime goals.

Authoritarian Populism

Authoritarian populism (sometimes called Autocratic Populism) is a political approach that combines populist rhetoric with authoritarian governance. It is characterized by strong central leadership, anti-elite rhetoric, and appeals to nationalism. It involves leaders who claim to represent "the people" against "corrupt elites" while simultaneously undermining democratic institutions. These leaders typically focus on nativism, oppose pluralism, and work toward a more homogeneous society rather than a multicultural one. They often frame the world as a struggle between a virtuous in-group and an evil out-group that is scapegoated for societal problems.

Bipartisanship

Efforts to bridge divides between political parties, a concept often discussed in contrast to the polarization seen in current U.S. politics.

Breakdown of the Social Order

The breakdown of social order refers to the deterioration of the stable state in which the existing social structure is accepted and maintained by its members. It involves the weakening of social contracts, norms, and hierarchies that enable society to function cohesively. When social order breaks down, there is a loss of the shared values, morals, and laws that guide cooperative behavior and maintain stability.

Checks and Balances

The principle of limiting government power through the separation of powers, which critics argue is threatened by proposals like Project 2025.

Christian Nationalism

A political ideology blending Christian identity with nationalist policies, cited as an influence on proposals in Project 2025.

Democracy

Democracy is a form of government in which political power is vested in the people. In its most basic definition, it is "government by the people" where supreme power is exercised directly by citizens or through freely elected representatives under a free electoral system. Key characteristics include political equality, upward control (sovereignty residing at the lowest levels of authority), legal equality, political freedom, and rule of law.

Democratic Backsliding

Democratic backsliding (also called autocratization) is the process by which democracies gradually become less democratic over time. It involves the erosion of democratic values and institutions, often led by democratically elected leaders who use incremental rather than revolutionary tactics. Key manifestations include degradation of free and fair elections, decline of liberal rights (speech, press, association), weakening of judicial independence, and an overemphasis on national security that restricts civil liberties.

Doublespeak

Doublespeak is language that deliberately obscures, disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words. It may take the form of euphemisms to make unpleasant truths sound more palatable, or it may involve intentional ambiguity or actual inversions of meaning. Doublespeak is most closely associated with political language used by large entities such as corporations and governments to hide or distort the truth.

Doublspeak Examples:

Trump’s Doublespeak include:

Calling January 6, 2021 "a day of love" while referring to the violent assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Labeling posts containing false conspiracy theories as "truths" on his social media platform.
Using the phrase "truthful hyperbole" to describe his speaking style, which he defined as "a harmless form of exaggeration" used as "a highly effective means of promotion."
Making statements one day and denying them in following days.
Using exaggeration to downplay opponents with phrases like "your regulations are a disaster" and "the worst deals ever made by any country in history."
Employing diversion and gobbledygook in his communication style.
His statement: "He who saves his country does not violate any law."

Trump received the NCTE Doublespeak Award twice - in 2016 and 2019 - for "perpetuating language that is grossly deceptive, evasive, euphemistic, confusing, and self-centered."

Musk's examples of doublespeak include:

Naming his government cutting initiative the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) while its actual purpose is elimination rather than efficiency.
Claiming to be "best" rather than "best-in-class" in an investor call, displaying arrogance through linguistic manipulation.
Dismissing legitimate analyst questions as "boneheaded" when they challenged his narrative.
Creating an AI system (Grok) that he proudly describes as "snarky" while allowing it to spread misinformation without correction.
Criticizing other companies for creating "inoffensive" AI models while his own model spreads falsehoods about political candidates.

JD Vance's doublespeak examples include:

Accusing European countries of insufficient commitment to democracy while representing an administration that challenged the 2020 election results.
Describing terms like "misinformation" and "disinformation" as "Soviet-era words" while his administration engages in spreading falsehoods.
Claiming to worry about "the threat from within" for Europe rather than external threats like Russia, despite Russia's ongoing war causing hundreds of thousands of casualties.
Using selective examples to portray European democracies as restricting free speech while his administration attacks institutions like Wikipedia and NPR.
Strategically concealing his anti-abortion agenda during his RNC speech because it is unpopular with the American public.
Praising his spouse's immigrant parents while simultaneously leading chants of "send them back" about undocumented immigrants.

Fascism

Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian, and ultranationalist political ideology characterized by dictatorial leadership, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in natural social hierarchy, and strong regimentation of society and economy. It rejects Marxism, democracy, anarchism, pluralism, and liberalism.

Neo-fascism is a post-World War II ideology that includes significant elements of fascism but with some adaptations. It typically features ultranationalism, racial supremacy, right-wing populism, authoritarianism, nativism, xenophobia, and opposition to immigration, while making concerted efforts to portray itself as democratic and "mainstream."

Flood the Zone

"Flood the zone" is a strategic approach with two primary meanings. In politics, it refers to overwhelming opposition with numerous simultaneous actions or information that are difficult to address all at once. It can involve inundating the public sphere with so much information (including misinformation) that people become unable to discern truth from falsehood. The term originated in sports, referring to applying pressure to a particular area of play by concentrating resources there.

Imperial Presidency

A term used to describe an expansion of presidential power beyond constitutional limits, a concern raised by critics of Project 2025.

Mandate for Leadership

The policy playbook from Project 2025 outlining a far-right vision for governance. It reflects a philosophical outlook that emphasizes Christian nationalism, traditional family values, and opposition to DEI initiatives and LGBTQ+ protections. It advocates for significant changes to federal agencies and policies based on conservative principles.

Mass Deportations

A proposed policy under Project 2025 aiming to implement the largest deportation program in U.S. history.

Obedience in Advance

A concept popularized by historian Timothy Snyder, particularly in his book On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. It refers to the phenomenon where individuals preemptively comply with or adapt to the perceived desires of an authoritarian regime, even before being explicitly asked or ordered to do so.

Key aspects of this concept include:

Voluntary submission: People willingly offer their compliance to new, potentially repressive leaders without being coerced.
Anticipatory behavior: Individuals think ahead about what a more authoritarian government might want and adjust their actions accordingly.
Empowering authoritarianism: This behavior inadvertently teaches those in power what they can get away with, potentially accelerating the erosion of democratic norms.
Loss of individual agency: By conforming in advance, people surrender their freedom to define their own values and actions.
Historical precedent: Snyder cites examples such as Nazi Germany and communist Czechoslovakia, where anticipatory obedience facilitated rapid regime changes.

Snyder argues that resisting this tendency is crucial for preserving democracy. He advises individuals to maintain a strong sense of personal identity, values, and what they consider "normal," even as political circumstances change around them. By refusing to obey in advance, citizens can help prevent the consolidation of authoritarian power and preserve their individual freedoms.

Oligarchy

Oligarchy is a form of government in which power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of individuals, often referred to as the ruling elite. This small group typically derives its power from wealth, social status, military strength, or political influence. Key characteristics of oligarchy include:

Concentrated power: A few individuals or families hold authority and control over society.
Self-interest: Oligarchs often prioritize their own interests over the broader needs of the population.
Limited representation: The majority of citizens have little to no say in governance.
Wealth and power fusion: Oligarchy often involves the merging of economic and political power.
Potential for corruption: The concentration of power can lead to abuse and lack of accountability.

Oligarchy differs from other forms of government in several ways:

Unlike democracy, where power is vested in the people, oligarchy restricts political participation to a select few.
It is distinct from autocracy or dictatorship, where power is held by a single individual.
While similar to aristocracy, oligarchy does not necessarily imply that the ruling group is qualified or acting in the best interest of society.

Oligarchies can exist in various forms, including plutocracies (rule by the wealthy), theocracies (rule by religious leaders), and technocracies (rule by technical experts). They may also coexist with other forms of government, as seen in some democracies with strong oligarchic tendencies.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta CEO (example of Obedience in Advance)

Permission Structures

In politics, this refers to a rhetorical strategy that provides people with an emotional and psychological justification to change their deeply held beliefs or behaviors while maintaining their pride and integrity. The term gained prominence when President Barack Obama used it during a 2013 press conference about budget negotiations with Republicans, stating his administration would "try to do everything we can to create a permission structure for them to be able to do what's going to be best for the country."

The concept operates on the understanding that people often resist changing their minds due to fear of appearing inconsistent or betraying their values. A permission structure works by:

Connecting new ideas to someone's existing beliefs and values
Providing a face-saving way to adopt a different position
Creating conditions that make it politically safer to compromise

In practical political applications, permission structures have been used in various ways:

David Axelrod, Obama's Chief of Staff, reportedly used prominent white endorsements of Black mayoral candidates to create permission for white voters to support those candidates
"Republican Voters Against Trump" shared stories of loyal Republicans who opposed Trump to provide similar voters with justification to do the same
Some argued that featuring Black speakers at Republican conventions was less about winning Black voters and more about giving white conservatives concerned about racism a permission structure to vote Republican

The concept originated in marketing (sometimes called "permission to believe") but has become an established political strategy used by both parties to facilitate opinion changes that might otherwise be resisted for political, psychological, or social reasons.

Donald Trump, by pardoning the January 6th convicted felons, is trying to establish a permission structure for political violence. He is sending a message to anyone who might consider using violence on his behalf that such a behavior is acceptable.

Personality Disorders

A personality disorder is a type of mental health condition characterized by long-term, enduring patterns of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that significantly differ from cultural norms and expectations. These patterns are typically inflexible, pervasive across various situations, and can cause distress or problems in a person's social, work, or personal life.

Donald Trump has two personalities disorders: Narcissism and Antisocial Personality Disorder (aka “Sociopath”). Elon Musk probably has both personality disorders, as well. And Putin, too.

Some common traits of Narcissists (a.k.a. Narcissist Personality Disorder) include:

Grandiose sense of self-importance: Narcissists have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance and often exaggerate their achievements and talents.
Need for admiration: They require constant, excessive praise and recognition from others.
Lack of empathy: Narcissists struggle to recognize or care about the feelings and needs of others.
Sense of entitlement: They believe they deserve special treatment and privileges without question.
Arrogance: Narcissists often display haughty, arrogant, or contemptuous behaviors and attitudes.
Exploitative behavior: They are willing to take advantage of others to achieve their own goals.
Preoccupation with fantasies of success, power, or brilliance: Narcissists often fantasize about unlimited success, power, or ideal love.
Envy: They are either envious of others or believe that others are envious of them.
Belief in their own superiority: Narcissists think they are superior to others and can only associate with equally special people.
Difficulty handling criticism: They react poorly to perceived slights or criticism, often responding with rage or contempt.

Some common traits of Sociopaths (a.k.a. Antisocial Personality Disorder), include:

Manipulation and Deceit: Sociopaths frequently manipulate and deceive others to achieve their goals. They are often caught lying, exaggerating, or distorting facts.
Lack of Empathy and Remorse: They typically show a profound lack of empathy and do not feel guilt or remorse for their actions, even when causing harm to others.
Impulsivity and Irresponsibility: Sociopaths often make reckless and irresponsible decisions without considering the consequences. They may engage in risky behaviors and fail to plan for the future.
Aggression and Hostility: They can be easily angered and may exhibit aggressive or violent behavior, including physical fights and assaults.
Superficial Charm: Sociopaths can be charming and charismatic, using these traits to manipulate others. However, this charm is often superficial and fades with prolonged interaction.
Disregard for Social Norms and Laws: They often ignore social norms and laws, engaging in criminal behavior and violating the rights of others.
Relationship Difficulties: Sociopaths typically have trouble maintaining healthy relationships due to their manipulative, deceitful, and aggressive behaviors.
Narcissism: They may have a grandiose self-image and a sense of entitlement, often seeking admiration and reacting poorly to criticism.

These traits collectively contribute to the sociopath's ability to create chaos and harm in their personal and professional lives.

There are some differences in the two personality disorders, but they overlap, and a person can have both disorders combined.

The key differences between narcissists and sociopaths lie in their motivations, empathy levels, and how they interact with others:

Motivation: Narcissists are primarily driven by a need for admiration, recognition, and ego fulfillment. They have an inflated sense of self-importance and constantly seek validation from others. Sociopaths, on the other hand, are motivated by specific goals and interests, without requiring ego fulfillment. They pursue their objectives regardless of the harm caused to others.
Empathy: While both lack empathy, narcissists can experience inconsistent and low levels of empathy, often tied to personal gain. They may pretend to care about others to receive attention or praise. Sociopaths, however, are generally incapable of empathy or remorse and may hurt or manipulate people purely for enjoyment.
Interaction with others: Narcissists view themselves as superior and expect constant praise and special treatment. They can be shallow and self-centered but are concerned with their reputation. Sociopaths treat people as expendable and don't care about their reputation. They can be charming and manipulative but will exploit others to achieve their goals before callously discarding them.
Emotional response: Narcissists have intense emotional reactions, especially to perceived criticism or slights. They struggle with mood regulation and can be deeply insecure. Sociopaths typically display shallow emotions and are less affected by criticism or normal emotional triggers.
Behavior patterns: Narcissists engage in grandiose behavior, exaggerate their talents, and seek constant admiration. Sociopaths are more likely to engage in impulsive, risky, and sometimes illegal behaviors without regard for consequences.

Summary of Narcissists and Sociopaths:

While both narcissists and sociopaths can be manipulative and lack empathy, narcissists are driven by a need for admiration and have more emotional volatility, while sociopaths are goal-oriented, less emotionally reactive, and more indifferent to others' feelings or societal norms.

Both narcissist and sociopaths have a callous disregard for the needs and rights of others. For example, when a narcissist is wounded by losing the 2020 election, he can’t process the loss the way normal people do. It becomes a narcissistic wound, and a platform for lying and vengeance. And the narcissist-sociopath combination is all the worse. An unrestrained narcissist-sociopath with immense political power is likely to alter the trajectory of the nation, seek revenge on anyone who opposes him, risk war if he gets his feelings hurt, and disregard the norms and institutions that are meant to prevent the abuse of power.

Rule of Law and Due Process

The principle that all members of society, including government officials, are equally subject to the law and that laws are applied consistently and fairly. The concept originated with the Magna Carta, which established that even the king was bound by law and could not act arbitrarily. This fundamental characteristic of democracy that is weakened during democratic backsliding. It involves judicial and bureaucratic restraints on government power, ensuring that government operates according to established laws rather than arbitrary decisions.

Due process is a core component of the rule of law that prevents the arbitrary or abusive use of power. It is the legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment through established rules and principles in both civil and criminal matters. It is rooted in the idea that no individual should be deprived of life, liberty, or property without appropriate legal procedures and safeguards, as outlined in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. Procedural due process requires notice, an opportunity to be heard, and a neutral decision-maker, while substantive due process protects certain fundamental rights from government interference. Without due process, the rule of law would be undermined, as individuals would lack protection against unjust government actions. In essence, due process ensures that the rule of law is not just a theoretical ideal, but a practical safeguard for individual rights and liberties. Example of lack of due process: Abrego Garcia was illegally deported to El Salvador and imprisoned without being convicted of a crime, and has not been returned despite a unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that the Trump Administration facilitate his return.

Social Safety Net Programs

Government initiatives providing economic assistance, which are targeted for cuts under some far-right policy agendas like Project 2025.

Unitary Executive Theory

A controversial legal theory proposing that the president should have direct control over the entire executive branch, as outlined in Project 2025.

Woke Ideology

A term often used in conservative discourse to criticize progressive social policies, particularly those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Abrego Garcia, deprived of due process

Terminology for Our Times

“In every age it has been the tyrant, the oppressor and the exploiter who has wrapped himself in the cloak of patriotism, or religion, or both to deceive and overawe the People.”