TRUMP'S ALLURING LIES

The Allure of Authoritarian Propaganda

In many societies, strongman leaders gain a following not by offering specific solutions to real problems but by fostering a sense of crisis and positioning themselves as the savior capable of restoring order. This is not new. From early 20th-century Europe to today’s political landscapes, authoritarian figures have consistently risen by manipulating the public perception of real and imagined issues while presenting themselves as indispensable. These tactics have profound implications for democracy, as they exploit societal fears, distort reality, and sideline rational discourse.

The Illusion of Crisis and the Strongman’s Promise

In their rise to power, authoritarian leaders often employ a potent mix of fear, distrust, and disinformation. They paint a bleak picture of a nation besieged by dangers—whether from within by corrupt institutions or external "enemies" that threaten the purity or stability of society. They create a vision of their nation at the edge of ruin through speeches and propaganda. This dire narrative has two main effects on a public looking for stability in an unpredictable world: it stirs anxiety while conveniently casting the leader as the sole figure capable of staving off disaster.

In the 1930s, Germany’s Adolf Hitler famously tapped into the frustrations of an economically battered and demoralized population. His propaganda machine focused on sowing distrust of political institutions, vilifying various groups as threats to national purity, and promising a rebirth of national pride that only he could lead. More recently, we see similar tactics in figures like Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, who declared a war on drugs while labeling entire communities as criminal havens—conveniently positioning himself as the sole figure tough enough to protect the country.

In the United States, Donald Trump adopted a similar strategy, portraying the nation as crippled by systemic failure. Despite evidence that many of his claims of the crisis were exaggerated or unfounded, the narrative resonated with audiences who felt left behind by economic changes and alienated by social shifts. By convincing his supporters that he alone understood the problems and had the strength to fix them, Trump fostered a culture of distrust toward the media, government institutions, and political opponents.

The Role of Manufactured Crises

These leaders’ success lies partly in making imaginary crises feel urgent and real. The problems they cite often exist only in broad, exaggerated terms or are distortions of real issues blown out of proportion to serve a narrative. For instance, anti-immigrant rhetoric is often used to portray immigrants as a threat to jobs, culture, and safety despite economic evidence showing that immigration is beneficial in many cases. Authoritarian leaders tap into latent fears and biases by reframing complex issues in simplistic and often misleading ways.

Leaders with authoritarian tendencies may also capitalize on their perceived “strength” as a solution to these crises. They promote the idea that they can disregard the usual checks and balances of democratic systems because they are uniquely suited to “fix” the country. This is not simply an appeal to strength but to a particular kind of strength—one that views democratic norms and legal constraints as weaknesses, unnecessary barriers to the decisive action they claim to represent.

The Psychology of Following the “Strong Man”

A major psychological element in this dynamic is what social psychologists call cognitive dissonance. When people believe in a leader who makes extreme promises, they are inclined to ignore or rationalize any evidence that contradicts their views of him. By believing strongly in a figure they view as a national savior, supporters become psychologically invested in that belief, making it difficult to accept evidence. This effect is compounded when the leader frames any criticism as a conspiracy or attack by corrupt elites, thus reinforcing his followers’ distrust of independent information sources.

Authoritarian propaganda often presents critics as enemies of the people, deepening the divide between followers and the opposition. This tactic is especially effective when the leader is perceived as representing the “common people” against “elites.” Hitler, for instance, was seen as an outsider fighting the establishment, as was Trump. By casting themselves as victims and champions, they secure loyalty from those who feel similarly marginalized.

The Costs to Democracy

Using manufactured crises and the “strong man” mythos comes at a high cost to democratic institutions. When leaders subvert trust in media, courts, and government agencies, they weaken the pillars that uphold democratic societies. In authoritarian regimes, this is often achieved by tightly controlling information and severely punishing dissent. In more democratic contexts, such control might instead take the form of attacking institutions indirectly—branding the press as “fake news,” painting opponents as traitors, or dismissing established rules as tools of the “deep state.”

Such approaches polarize societies and make it exceedingly difficult to address real issues. When leaders invent problems to consolidate power, they divert attention and resources from genuine social challenges. For instance, the threat of climate change receives insufficient action from leaders who are more focused on fabricated crises that bolster their power.

Conclusion: The Way Forward

Understanding the patterns and tactics of authoritarian propaganda is crucial in resisting its influence. Democracies must bolster media literacy, strengthen checks and balances, and promote civic education to help people recognize and resist manipulative narratives. A commitment to transparency and accountability is essential to preserving democracy, as is an informed populace capable of distinguishing between natural and manufactured crises.

The allure of authoritarianism is ultimately rooted in fear and insecurity. By recognizing and addressing the real issues that fuel these emotions, democratic societies can counter the power of authoritarian propaganda. Leaders who genuinely serve their people do not manipulate crises; they work to understand and resolve factual issues, fostering trust, stability, and resilience rather than division and fear.

William James Spriggs