It Can Happen Here
Resistance to Autocracy under Trump and Trumpism
Richard L. Abel
Abstract:
Donald Trump has posed one of the greatest threats to American liberal democracy in recent times. His support reflects both economic and socio-cultural phenomena. He challenged the integrity of elections; his assault on immigrants denied them equal respect; he sought to subvert the legal system; and he undermined the expertise of scientists. Resistance included mass action, civil society, civil servants, blue states and cities, and most importantly courts, whose judges divided along partisan lines. Although these forces succeeded in preserving liberal democracy, the struggle will continue through the 2024 election.
