Can We Stop the Rise of Autocracy?

The world is at a crossroads. Autocracy is rising in the west, with far-right parties gaining traction in Europe and authoritarian leaders tightening their grip on power. But is this trend inevitable? According to Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, the answer is no. Roth points to the global south, where many countries are pushing back against autocracy and fighting for democracy.

One need look no further than Iran, where antigovernment protests were violently repressed in January, resulting in thousands of deaths and mass burials. But even in the face of such brutality, the desire for democracy and human rights remains strong. As Roth notes, "many who have experienced life under autocracy want out."

But the struggle against autocracy is not limited to the global south. In the United States, ordinary citizens are taking action to reclaim their democracy. Take Ellen Baum, a 37-year-old tech worker who decided to take matters into her own hands. Frustrated by the state of the world, Baum spent 16 hours cleaning up trash on the Brooklyn Bridge, including condoms, old socks, and hair ties. "I can't do anything about some of these big problems that the world and the city are facing," she said. "But I can do one modicum of something nice."

Baum's actions may seem small, but they are a reminder that individual citizens can make a difference. And they are not alone. In California, lawmakers are considering a tax on billionaires, despite threats of relocation from the wealthy. But research suggests that such threats are often empty, and that the wealthy do not move in droves when taxes are raised.

Meanwhile, in the world of sports, two MLS coaches, Eric Ramsay and Wilfried Nancy, have been sacked after disappointing stints with English clubs. While their failures may be seen as a setback for American soccer, they also highlight the challenges of adapting to new contexts and the need for patience and understanding.

And in a separate development, the captain of the US women's hockey team, Hilary Knight, has spoken out against a "distasteful" joke made by President Trump about her squad. Knight's comments are a reminder that even in the face of adversity, individuals can stand up for what they believe in and fight for respect and dignity.

So what can we learn from these stories? First, that the rise of autocracy is not inevitable, and that individuals and communities can make a difference. Second, that context matters, and that we must be patient and understanding when faced with challenges. And finally, that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.

As Kenneth Roth notes, "there is plenty to worry about in the global contest between democracy and autocracy." But there is also plenty to be inspired by. From the global south to ordinary citizens, people are fighting back against autocracy and pushing for a more just and democratic world. The question is, will we join them?