“Is Trump Following Ahmadinejad’s Authoritarian Playbook?”
Donald Trump and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, though from different political landscapes, share strikingly similar authoritarian tactics. Both leaders embraced populism, attacked the media, and challenged democratic norms. Ahmadinejad used nationalism and religious fervor to consolidate power, while Trump relied on divisive rhetoric and distrust of institutions.
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However, their approaches differ in context—Ahmadinejad’s grip was cemented in a theocratic regime, while Trump faced institutional checks and balances. Yet, their manipulation of public sentiment and rejection of opposition reveal unsettling parallels. Understanding these tactics is crucial to safeguarding democracy.