Bob Schwartz

If we have only one lesson about authoritarian government, it’s this: You may believe that you are protected because you are supportive of those in power. Only “wrong thinking” citizens will be subject to exclusion and punishment, which they deserve.

Historically, that is nonsense. A hallmark of authoritarians is that everyone and everything is either useful for their ambition or an obstacle. There is no such thing as loyalty. You may think it is impossible for an authoritarian to turn on you—you, a true believer—but you are deluded. Besides being ambitious and self-interested, authoritarians are whimsical, often to the point of seeming craziness. If they wake up and decide there is something or someone they don’t like, it won’t matter what or who has been on their side before.

This is the heart and soul of democracy. Ideally, though it isn’t always achieved, those in power act without fear or favor. If you think this can be selective, you may not understand. If you think that you are the chosen, while the others who are punished are the justified victims, you are wrong. In an authoritarian regime, the next victim is you.

© 2026 Bob Schwartz