State Democracy Defenders Action has released the “American Autocracy Threat Tracker,” a detailed guide cataloging actions, policies, and proposals linked to Donald Trump and his associates that are identified as significant threats to democratic governance in the United States. The guide highlights patterns of behavior and policy that risk eroding democratic institutions and principles, with many aligning closely to National Conservatism (NC) principles. It emphasizes the dangers of autocratic tendencies, disinformation campaigns, and divisive governance, documenting policies and rhetoric that not only reflect NC themes but often intensify them through heightened exclusion and undermining of democratic norms. The guide warns that such approaches, if unaddressed, could become blueprints for autocratic governance globally, influencing similar movements worldwide.
A prior GIOR analysis outlined ten core principles characteristic of National Conservatism. The State Democracy Defenders Action analysis reveals that Donald Trump and his allies adhere to these principles with near-total alignment:
1. Exclusionary National Sovereignty and Identity:
Strict immigration controls, the prioritization of U.S. sovereignty, and cultural preservation align closely with NC’s emphasis on protecting national identity, though in an extreme and exclusionary manner.
2. Economic Nationalism:
Protectionist strategies such as proposed tariffs and regulatory shifts are consistent with NC’s economic nationalism.
3. Patriotism over Global Cooperation:
Strong anti-globalist rhetoric and criticism of international agreements and institutions reflect NC’s rejection of globalism.
4. Economics over Environment:
Policies subordinating environmental concerns to economic interests, such as fossil fuel expansion (‘drill, baby, drill’) and deregulation, reflect NC’s prioritization of industrial development.
5. Restrictive Social Welfare:
Proposed restrictions on welfare access for immigrants and reduced social benefits reflect NC’s selective approach, prioritizing citizens over inclusivity.
6. Nationalist Education:
Efforts to reshape education by banning progressive themes, promoting Christian nationalist values, decentralizing oversight, and targeting diversity policies reflect NC’s focus on traditional and nationalist education.
7. Harsh Immigration Policies:
Expansive border control measures, mass deportation plans, and rhetoric framing immigrants as threats to security and culture strongly align with NC principles.
8. Enforcing Traditional Family Structures:
Policies targeting LGBTQ+ rights and promoting traditional family structures reflect NC’s focus on conservative social values.
9. Controlling Media and Shaping Narratives:
Efforts to control narratives through disinformation and to target mainstream media as oppositional mirror NC’s use of digital platforms and criticism of perceived media bias.
10. Militarized National Security Focus:
A strong focus on border security and militarization to address perceived threats aligns with NC’s prioritization of defense spending and strict security measures.
Read the full State Democracy Defenders Action report here.
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