A pitiless crackdown on on illegal immigration. A hardline approach to law and order. A purge of “gender ideology” and “wokeness” from the nation’s schools. Erosions of academic freedom, judicial independence and the free press. An alliance with Christian nationalism. An assault on democratic institutions.
The “electoral autocracy” that is Viktor Orbán’s Hungary has been long revered by Donald Trump and his “Make America Great Again” (Maga) movement. Now admiration is turning into emulation. In the early weeks of Trump’s second term as US president, analysts say, there are alarming signs that the Orbánisation of America has begun.
Democracy is inherently tied to progress.
For a more elaborate explanation, see below.
I am considering that progress on Earth is slowing down or halting long-term, and only continued progress could sustain Democracy.
Democracy is tied to progress because progress creates demand for workers, and as such gives them a say in the direction things go. Progress is what “free people can do” or sth. Without progress, there is neither a demand for workers or freedom, and both are at risk.