The Economist – Is America dictator proof?
This week’s Economist asks: Is America dictator-proof? The many vulnerabilities, and enduring strengths, of America’s Republic.
Summary
America’s republic faces significant vulnerabilities alongside its enduring strengths. Following the Cold War, the American political model appeared unassailable. However, recent years have seen a decline in confidence among Americans. Factors such as reckless wars, financial crises, and institutional decay have intensified political battles, making presidential elections feel like high-stakes events. Leaders have publicly doubted the integrity of democracy, and attempts to obstruct the peaceful transfer of power have occurred. These issues have justifiably raised concerns about the resilience of the American system against rising authoritarianism.
The key takeaway is that relying solely on the Constitution to protect the republic is overly optimistic. The preservation of democracy relies heavily on the courage and convictions of individuals across the nation, particularly those responsible for creating and enforcing laws.
The latest business news
-
Cliff Notes – UK-US trade deal ‘isn’t worth the paper it’s written on Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz criticises the UK-US trade deal, stating it “isn’t worth the paper it’s written on,” referencing former tariffs imposed by Trump. Stiglitz argues the agreement plays into Trump’s “divide and conquer” strategy, undermining the UK’s position in international relations.
-
Financial Times reports that the prime minister is the first to seal a deal with the United States since Donald Trump unleashed his tariffs war on the world.
-
With air passenger traffic reaching an all-time high of 68.4 million for the year ended March 2025, the Republic’s aviation industry remains a bright spot amid global turbulence and uncertainty.
-
The Taiwan test Relations between America and China are at a low ebb. Tariffs of well over 100% on both sides have severed trade. Each is striving to dominate 21st-century technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). A massive military build-up is under way. In the previous cold war such rivalries came to a head over
-
The Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates on Thursday, likely lowering them from 4.5% to 4.25%. This would be the fourth rate cut since last year’s peak of 5.25%, and the second in 2025, as the Bank aims to stimulate borrowing and ease financial pressure on households and businesses.
-
A US-UK trade deal is expected to be announced today, which will see tariffs reduced.
