Polarize to Paralyze: How Authoritarian Leaders Exploit Conflict

Admire. Obey. Defend. The Cult of Personality. A cult of personality happens when a public figure (usually a political leader) builds an image of themselves that is larger-than-life. Their followers start to treat that image as unquestionable and central to their own identity.

In healthy democracies, the military protects the nation, not the ruling party. Whether it’s breaking up protests, intimidation, or patrolling communities under the guise of "safety", the goal is the same: to silence dissent and make citizens fear their own government. #Caturday #politics

Authoritarians don’t always cancel elections, they rig them. Here’s how ⬇️ #caturday #authoritarianism #democracymatters

They scream fake news. They smear the press & “flood the zone” with noise until truth drowns in confusion. That’s not just chaos, it’s control. Speaking out is the antidote. Every act of truth-telling matters. When they want silence & compliance, making noise is taking back power. #authoritarianism

Authoritarian regimes rely on constant crises, disinformation, surveillance, and fear to wear people down. When people are tired, anxious, and overworked, they’re less likely to resist, organize, or even think critically.

In authoritarian regimes, expressing doubt, raising questions, or imagining alternatives is punished. #authoritarianism 🧵

Authoritarians don’t just lie, they make truth untrustworthy. Flooding the public sphere with conflicting narratives. Contradictory statements, sensational distractions, & conspiracies blur fact & fiction. If no one believes the press, the regime can say anything & get away w/everything. #caturday

Authoritarian governments rely on fear, submission, & the illusion of control. Whether it’s silencing dissent, rewriting history, or criminalizing protest, resistance is not just a right, it’s a duty. You don’t wait for permission to fight back. You leap. Stay loud. Stay defiant. #resist

Creeping Authoritarianism looks like this: 🧵

Authoritarianism thrives on obedience, silence, and submission. But resistance doesn’t always start with a roar. It can begin with a small, defiant sound. A hiss. A voice. A stand. Speak out, even when it feels small. Especially then. #catsagainstauthoritarianism #democracy #protest