Authoritarianism

New research reveals that partisanship, specifically support for Donald Trump, splits gun owners on democratic values. While the group as a whole is no less democratic than non-owners, a pro-Trump subgroup holds significantly less supportive views on key issues.

People who defend the system and those who reject it may share a surprising trait: support for antidemocratic ideas. A new study finds that authoritarianism, distrust, and simplistic thinking predict rejection of core democratic values.

A 2025 survey highlights a deep divide in American political attitudes, with a substantial minority prioritizing strong leadership over democratic processes. Researchers found one-third of adults would trade democracy for a political leader who shares their values and interests.

The term "left-wing authoritarianism" may need re-examination, according to new research. A study developing a scale for leftist attitudes found they are better described as radical and anti-establishment, not necessarily authoritarian in nature.

A new study of Polish adults found a surprising link between left-wing authoritarianism and a greater acceptance of brutal war tactics. In contrast, people with a secure national identity were more likely to support warfare only within strict moral limits.

A new analysis highlights how Trump used victimhood claims to frame economic suffering, then followed them with promises of retribution. This pattern allowed him to present sweeping policy changes as emotionally and morally justified responses to long-standing grievances.

A new study finds that safe space statements can make students feel more comfortable and open in the classroom—but also make instructors seem more liberal and authoritarian. Trigger warnings, by contrast, had no meaningful impact on students’ perceptions.

A new study from Lebanon finds that people with authoritarian beliefs tend to oppose violence against political leaders, while those high in social dominance orientation are more likely to support violence against rival group members.

A new study suggests that the way people learn to trust others early in life can shape their political ideology and preference for strong, dominant leaders—though not directly, but through dogmatic thinking and broader political attitudes.

A sweeping study of over 84,000 people across 59 countries found that individuals who feel threatened by crime, poverty, or instability are more likely to support authoritarian governance—especially in Western nations and among politically right-leaning individuals.

New research provides causal evidence that perceived societal breakdown—known as anomie—can increase support for authoritarianism by eroding feelings of control and increasing uncertainty.

A new cross-cultural study finds that people across 25 countries are more likely to support dominant, authoritarian leaders when facing intergroup conflict. The results suggest that humans may have evolved psychological instincts that favor forceful leadership during times of threat.

Researchers found that voters’ authoritarian tendencies influenced how they judged the psychopathic traits of 2016 presidential candidates. Those high in authoritarianism were more likely to view Trump favorably and Clinton as psychologically disordered—and vice versa.

A new study suggests that mothers who favor social hierarchies and obedience to authority use less perspective-taking language with their children—especially when discussing people from different ethnic backgrounds. Their children also show weaker ability to understand others’ thoughts and feelings.

The belief that only conservatives prefer authoritarian leaders is upended by new research showing ethnic minorities—regardless of political affiliation—are more supportive of strong leadership than White liberals. The study suggests generalized trust is a key psychological factor.