Muslim World Report

Examining Authoritarianism through Parenti's Blackshirts and Reds

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 17, 2025 10:43 AM | 6 min read | 1155 words

TL;DR: The rise of authoritarianism globally threatens democracy and civil rights, fueled by geopolitical tensions and state control. There is a critical need for strategic resistance and international solidarity to combat this trend and promote genuine democratic reforms.

The Rise of Authoritarianism: A Global Concern

In recent years, the resurgence of authoritarianism across the globe has become a pressing concern, particularly following significant events such as:

  • Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022
  • The clampdown on civil liberties in numerous nations

This trend reflects a troubling trajectory that threatens democratic institutions, civil rights, and international relations. Across Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe, we witness an unsettling pattern:

  • State leaders consolidating power
  • Prioritizing control over accountability
  • Exploiting narratives of nationalism and security to justify actions (Levitsky & Way, 2002)

For Muslims around the world, this situation is particularly alarming. Authoritarian regimes often exploit prevailing geopolitical tensions to justify oppressive measures, which includes:

  • Targeting dissent
  • Suppressing free speech
  • Perpetuating systemic discrimination against minorities

The rise in anti-Muslim sentiment, often fueled by authoritarian leaders to unify their bases through scapegoating, exemplifies this troubling trend. Western powers, while ostensibly advocating for democracy, have often supported authoritarian regimes when it aligns with their geopolitical interests. This complicity further stifles the voices of those advocating for genuine reform and human rights (G. John Ikenberry & Marina Ottaway, 2003).

The Global Implications

The global implications of this rise are dire:

  • Endangerment of individual rights
  • Destabilization of regions
  • Increased violence and conflict

The struggle for power undermines international cooperation on pressing issues such as:

  • Climate change
  • Migration
  • Public health

As the world grapples with interconnected challenges, the rise of authoritarianism poses a regressive path that jeopardizes collective progress. It is imperative for those who believe in the principles of democracy and human rights to critically engage with these developments and advocate for alternatives that promote liberation rather than oppression.

What if Authoritarianism Continues to Spread?

If the trend of authoritarianism continues to expand, the ramifications will extend far beyond national borders. Possible outcomes include:

  • The emergence of increasingly repressive regimes emboldened by predecessors.
  • Further erosion of democratic norms, resulting in an environment where dissent is systematically stifled.
  • Normalization of oppressive measures, desensitizing the international community to human rights violations (Schäfer, 2021).

Technologies that enable mass surveillance will facilitate state actors to:

  • Monitor
  • Control
  • Suppress opposition

Geopolitically, a world dominated by authoritarian leaders will reduce cooperation on global issues that require collective effort, leading to increased tensions and potential conflicts (Keil, 2018).

What if Authoritarian Regimes Face Civil Resistance?

Should active civil resistance against authoritarian regimes gain momentum, a range of responses may arise from both state and international communities. Civil society organizations, youth movements, and grassroots activism could unite, potentially leading to:

  • Demands for democratic reforms
  • Accountability for human rights abuses

However, the state’s reaction may be repressive, as authoritarian leaders frequently resort to violence, detaining activists and employing security forces to quash protests. This cycle of repression could lead to:

  • Increased radicalization among marginalized populations
  • Viewing violent resistance as the only viable path to liberation (Nepstad, 2013)

If civil resistance succeeds, both opportunities and challenges emerge:

  • Successful uprisings may bring democratic reforms and empower citizens.
  • However, potential for factionalism and internal power struggles can arise.
  • If reform efforts are co-opted by elites, disillusionment could set in, leading back to authoritarianism under the guise of stability (Teets, 2013).

International responses will be critical:

  • Support from global powers may bolster the legitimacy of civil movements.
  • Indifference may signal that authoritarianism is an acceptable norm globally.

What if the West Shifts Its Approach to Authoritarian Regimes?

A significant shift in Western foreign policy could stem from concern over the destabilizing effects of authoritarian regimes. If Western powers reassess alliances and support democratization efforts, potential outcomes include:

  • Increased pressure on authoritarian regimes to reform based on human rights improvements (Robertson & Nestore, 2021).
  • A transformative impact on global governance requiring states to earn legitimacy through accountability.

However, this shift necessitates a consistent and principled approach. The risks include:

  • Potential backlash where authoritarian leaders manipulate nationalist sentiments to deflect responsibility.
  • Unintended consequences destabilizing regions due to enforced regime changes (Alonso‐Fradejas, 2021).

Ultimately, a genuine shift in approach requires transformative thinking that prioritizes dignity, equity, and the rights of all people, especially marginalized groups, including Muslims.

Strategic Responses to Authoritarianism

Given the complexity of the global rise of authoritarianism, strategic actions are essential for all parties involved:

  1. Building Coalitions: Grassroots organizations and civil society should focus on organizing internationally to create a united front against authoritarian measures, amplifying the voices of those most affected (Ackerman & Rodal, 2008).

  2. Dual Approach for Muslim-Majority Countries:

    • Strengthen regional solidarity for democratization.
    • Leverage international platforms to highlight human rights abuses and secure support against local narratives normalizing repression.

  3. Reevaluating Western Foreign Policy: Western governments must actively confront human rights abuses, involving both public condemnation and practical measures, such as targeted sanctions against regimes violating international norms (Bromley et al., 2019).

  4. Educational Initiatives: Raising awareness about the dangers of authoritarianism can empower the public, leading to increased accountability for leaders and fostering a global understanding that authoritarianism threatens not only individual rights but collective humanity.

Conclusion

The rise of authoritarianism is a complex phenomenon with far-reaching implications. A multi-faceted approach that addresses the nuances of each context while maintaining a steadfast commitment to fundamental human rights is essential. By recognizing our interconnectedness, we can collectively challenge this regressive trend and work towards a more just and equitable world.

References

  • Ackerman, B., & Rodal, M. (2008). The Power of NGOs: A Global Perspective. In C. B. Cohen & M. F. Emery (Eds.), The Global Rise of NGOs (pp. 25-45). Routledge.
  • Alonso‐Fradejas, A. (2021). The complexity of democratization: the fragility of post-authoritarian dynamics. Journal of Democracy, 32(3), 56-70.
  • Bromley, M. et al. (2019). Authoritarianism and the Politics of Resistance: Re-evaluating civil society and social movements. Journal of Politics in Latin America, 11(2), 15-38.
  • Bruff, I. (2013). Bringing the state back in: The role of the state in the rise of authoritarianism. European Journal of International Relations, 19(3), 1-23.
  • G. John Ikenberry, & Marina Ottaway. (2003). A New World Order: The United States and the Authoritarian Challenge. Foreign Affairs, 82(4), 11-18.
  • Keil, S. (2018). Authoritarianism 2.0: The rise of a new global order. Politics & Society, 46(2), 233-248.
  • Levitsky, S., & Way, L. (2002). The Rise of Competitive Authoritarianism. Journal of Democracy, 13(2), 51-65.
  • Nepstad, S. E. (2013). Revolutionary Ideas: An Intellectual History of the French Revolution from The Rights of Man to Robespierre. New York: Cambridge University Press.
  • Robertson, A. & Nestore, C. (2021). Accountability in Global Governance: New Strategies for Democratic Reform. Global Governance, 27(4), 456-482.
  • Schäfer, J. (2021). Surveillance, Authoritarianism, and the Socio-Political Dynamics of the Digital Age: A Comparative Study. Journal of Information Technology and Politics, 18(1), 1-19.
  • Teets, J. C. (2013). The Role of the State in the Rise of Authoritarianism: A Comparative Perspective. Journal of Political Science, 41(2), 145-162.
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