> I don’t think nations become intentionally authoritarian
They absolutely do. Most democracies and republics in history have transitioned to authoritarianism at the behest of their own citizens. Centralized power is seen as a route to fast, urgent reform. The most famous example, of course, is Julius Caesar's assumption of power.
This is partially why "populist" can have a negative connotation in political or historical discussions. Putin is (supposedly) very popular, and Stalin is still remembered fondly by a surprising number[1] of Russians. South America has had tons of popular authoritarians, like Juan Perón[3], Alberto Fujimori[4], and Getúlio Vargas.
They absolutely do. Most democracies and republics in history have transitioned to authoritarianism at the behest of their own citizens. Centralized power is seen as a route to fast, urgent reform. The most famous example, of course, is Julius Caesar's assumption of power.
This is partially why "populist" can have a negative connotation in political or historical discussions. Putin is (supposedly) very popular, and Stalin is still remembered fondly by a surprising number[1] of Russians. South America has had tons of popular authoritarians, like Juan Perón[3], Alberto Fujimori[4], and Getúlio Vargas.
1. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2019-05-...
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Per%C3%B3n#Fascist_influe...
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Per%C3%B3n#Fascist_influe...
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Fujimori