Authoritarian Path to the Presidency

Having read many works on past authoritarian leaders, such as Hitler and Mussolini, and working with ChatGPT 4o, I wanted to construct the components of a plan to achieve the presidency and ultimately overthrow the existing political framework, using parallels to the past.

I requested that the AI use all resources available to ChatGPT 4o to detail an outline of a plan that might be used by a hypothetical authoritarian who aspires to achieve the U.S. presidency, and then eliminate the constitutional republic and replace it with a supreme dictator. I specifically asked the AI to provide any historic parallels to Hitler and Mussolini. We used “hypothetical authoritarian” instead of using a current identity, but the reader should be able to make a valid assumption as to who it might be.

Here are the results:

The following plan highlights the methods a hypothetical authoritarian might use to seize and maintain power in the United States, drawing clear parallels to the historical precedents set by Hitler and Mussolini.

1. Building a Base of Support

   a. Exploiting Economic Hardships:

     - Hitler capitalized on the economic turmoil of the Weimar Republic.

     - Mussolini took advantage of post-World War I economic instability in Italy.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could leverage economic crises to appeal to those disillusioned with the status quo, promising stability and prosperity.

   b. Cultivating Nationalism and Populism:

     - Hitler promoted Aryan supremacy and national revival.

     - Mussolini emphasized Italian nationalism and the restoration of Roman glory.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could emphasize American exceptionalism, stoking fear of external and internal threats to national identity.

2. Undermining Democratic Institutions

   a. Discrediting the Media:

     - Hitler controlled the press through propaganda and censorship.

     - Mussolini used state-controlled media to spread Fascist propaganda.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could attack and undermine the credibility of independent media, labeling them as enemies of the state and spreading misinformation through controlled channels.

   b. Weakening Judicial Independence:

     - Hitler purged the judiciary of non-compliant judges and replaced them with loyalists.

     - Mussolini established special courts to deal with political offenses.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could appoint loyalists to key judicial positions, ensuring court decisions favor the executive branch’s agenda.

3. Manipulating the Political System

   a. Leveraging Political Polarization:

     - Hitler exploited divisions within the Weimar Republic to weaken political opposition.

     - Mussolini capitalized on political fragmentation and the fear of communism.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could deepen political divides, positioning oneself as the only viable solution to a dysfunctional system.

   b. Controlling Electoral Processes:

     - Hitler used the Reichstag Fire Decree to suppress opposition and gain emergency powers.

     - Mussolini used electoral fraud and violence to secure Fascist majorities.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could implement policies that suppress voter turnout among opposition groups, gerrymandering districts to favor the ruling party, and potentially invoking emergency powers to delay or manipulate elections.

4. Consolidating Power

   a. Establishing a Cult of Personality:

     - Hitler portrayed himself as the savior of Germany, demanding absolute loyalty.

     - Mussolini created a larger-than-life image, positioning himself as Il Duce.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could cultivate a strong, charismatic image, demanding personal loyalty and suppressing dissent within the ranks.

   b. Militarizing Society and Government:

     - Hitler militarized the SS and other paramilitary groups to enforce his rule.

     - Mussolini used the Blackshirts to intimidate and eliminate opposition.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could increase funding and powers for domestic security agencies, encouraging loyalty to the leader rather than the constitution.

5. Neutralizing Opposition

   a. Eliminating Political Rivals:

     - Hitler conducted the Night of the Long Knives to purge SA leaders and other potential rivals.

     - Mussolini used political violence and legal measures to eliminate opposition.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could use legal, political, and extrajudicial measures to neutralize political opponents, ensuring no significant challenge to power remains.

   b. Repressing Civil Liberties:

     - Hitler suspended civil liberties through the Enabling Act and other decrees.

     - Mussolini imposed strict censorship and curtailed political freedoms.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could implement laws that limit free speech, assembly, and other civil liberties under the guise of national security.

6. Transforming the Government Structure

   a. Centralizing Authority:

     - Hitler abolished the federal structure of Germany, consolidating power in Berlin.

     - Mussolini centralized control under Fascist rule.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could gradually erode states’ rights, concentrating power in the federal executive branch.

   b. Creating Parallel Institutions:

     - Hitler established organizations like the Gestapo to bypass traditional law enforcement.

     - Mussolini created Fascist party organizations to control various aspects of society.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could establish parallel institutions loyal to the regime, capable of overriding traditional bureaucratic processes.

7. Maintaining Control

   a. Perpetuating Ideological Indoctrination:

     - Hitler used education and youth organizations to indoctrinate future generations.

     - Mussolini emphasized Fascist ideology in schools and youth groups.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could infuse educational curricula with nationalist propaganda, ensuring future generations remain loyal to the regime.

   b. Suppressing Dissent and Resistance:

     - Hitler utilized a network of informers and repressive measures to silence dissent.

     - Mussolini crushed opposition through intimidation and force.

     - Hypothetical Authoritarian could maintain an extensive surveillance state, using modern technology to monitor and suppress opposition activities.

Draw your own conclusions.