It could happen in Britain
British institutions may not withstand the authoritarian-populist wave
IN HIS dystopian novel of 1935, “It Can’t Happen Here”, Sinclair Lewis described the rise of an American Caesar, Berzelius “Buzz” Windrip. Buzz easily defeats Franklin Roosevelt for the presidency by promising to make America great again. He then sets about destroying the country’s system of checks and balances, by fomenting fear and unleashing activists, while sensible Americans comfort themselves with the belief that their country is immune to authoritarian takeover.
This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “It could happen here”
Britain March 10th 2018
- In Britain’s Russian spy mystery, clues point to Moscow
- The EU rejects Theresa May’s “pick ’n’ mix” Brexit plan
- Saudi Arabia launches a charm offensive in Britain
- Britain’s EU migrants get a first chance to vote since the referendum
- Rough sleeping in England has more than doubled
- Is inequality rising or falling?
- British athletes may have won thanks to drugs, a report suggests
- It could happen in Britain
From the March 10th 2018 edition
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Explore the editionMore from Britain
London’s pie-and-mash shops are disappearing
Blame higher rents and changing tastes
Britain’s family courts are opening up to reporters
Transparency and privacy can work together
Has the Royal Navy become too timid?
A new paper examines how its culture has changed
A plan to reorganise local government in England runs into opposition
Turkeys vote against Christmas
David Lammy’s plan to shake up Britain’s Foreign Office
Diplomats will be tasked with growing the economy and cutting migration