Okay, for this week we were to begin our series on authoritarianism, dictatorships, and illiberal democracy.

I have uploaded the lecture slide for the introduction to authoritarian regimes and the readings. They are in the file section on the canvas website.

For homework, I want you to look at the lecture slides, and also read the Zakaria piece on illiberal democracy and an excerpt form How Democracies Die. Up until recently, one area of academic debate was if the United States was currently experiencing some form of authoritarianism, and if President Trump exhibited some aspects of authoritarian rule (this is a controversial discussion). So here, is what I want you to do. Read these pieces and looking at “How Democracies Die” write in a 2-3 double-space pages if you think we are currently living in a period of illiberal democracy and/or if President Trump does in fact have or is an authoritarian ruler. Remember I want to read your thoughts! Do you agree with the authors, yes, no, and why not!

MANDATORY LESS THAN 10% PLAGERISM

2-3 PAGES DOUBLE SPACED