US Drift Into Competitive Authoritarianism Raises Questions for Canadian Democracy

In a recent CBC News video posted on 15 October 2026, political scientist Lucan Way warned that the United States under President Donald Trump has moved beyond a troubled democracy into what he terms “competitive authoritarianism.” The commentary, presented in the programme The Current, examined the hallmarks of this shift and asked whether the United States could reverse course. While the analysis focused on the American experience, the implications resonate strongly for Canadians, whose own democratic institutions are regularly tested by partisan conflict, judicial challenges and questions about the balance of power. This article unpacks Way’s arguments, contextualises them within Canada’s political landscape, and considers what the Canadian public and policymakers might learn from the United States’ trajectory.

Defining Competitive Authoritarianism

Way’s description of competitive authoritarianism rests on the idea that elections continue to be held, but the playing field is tilted so heavily in favour of the incumbent that genuine competition is undermined. He noted that the United States still conducts regular ballots, yet the mechanisms that safeguard fairness—such as an independent media, impartial courts and a neutral civil service—have been eroded to a degree that casts doubt on the authenticity of the contest.

According to Way, the shift is characterised by a blend of formal democratic structures with authoritarian practices. This includes the use of state resources to bolster the incumbent’s campaign, the intimidation of opposition voices, and the manipulation of legal processes to silence dissent. The term “competitive” acknowledges that opposition parties still exist and can technically win, but the competition is compromised by systemic bias.

In the Canadian context, the concept invites comparison with our own electoral framework. Canada’s parliamentary system, with its entrenched conventions of responsible government and a largely independent judiciary, provides a bulwark against overt manipulation. Nevertheless, the notion of competitive authoritarianism serves as a reminder that even mature democracies must vigilantly protect the integrity of their institutions.

Erosion of Democratic Norms in the United States

Way highlighted several specific trends that, in his view, signal the United States’ drift toward competitive authoritarianism. First, he pointed to the increasing use of executive power to bypass traditional checks, including the deployment of emergency declarations to advance policy agendas without legislative approval. Second, he observed a pattern of politicising the Department of Justice and other law‑enforcement agencies, turning them into tools for partisan advantage.

Third, Way underscored the growing hostility toward independent media outlets, describing a climate in which journalists face coordinated attacks and legal threats that aim to curtail critical reporting. Finally, he noted the erosion of judicial independence, with appointments increasingly viewed through a partisan lens and court decisions often framed as politically motivated.

These observations, while centred on the United States, echo concerns that have surfaced in Canada over recent years. Debates over the independence of the Supreme Court of Canada, the role of the media in covering contentious issues such as Indigenous rights and climate policy, and the politicisation of law‑enforcement agencies have all prompted discussions about the health of our own democratic norms.

Potential Reversibility: Way’s Outlook

In the video, Way addressed the question of whether the United States can reverse its slide. He argued that competitive authoritarianism is not necessarily a permanent state; it can be undone if institutions regain autonomy and the public reasserts democratic expectations. He suggested that a robust civil society, free press, and an engaged electorate are essential ingredients for such a reversal.

Way also warned that the longer the erosion persists, the more entrenched the authoritarian practices become, making remediation increasingly difficult. He stressed that the United States’ federal structure offers both challenges and opportunities, as state‑level resistance can serve as a counterbalance to federal overreach.

For Canadians, the notion of reversibility offers a hopeful perspective. It underscores the importance of maintaining strong, independent institutions at all levels of government. It also highlights the role of citizens in holding power to account, a principle that is deeply embedded in Canada’s democratic tradition.

Implications for Canadian Governance

The United States’ experience, as described by Way, provides a cautionary tale for Canada’s own system of governance. While Canada does not currently exhibit the same degree of executive overreach, the video’s analysis encourages a review of how power is exercised at the federal and provincial levels. For example, the increasing use of omnibus legislation in Parliament raises questions about the transparency and deliberative quality of law‑making.

Moreover, the politicisation of agencies such as the Canada Revenue Agency or the Public Safety Canada portfolio could, if left unchecked, mirror the United States’ trend of turning bureaucratic bodies into partisan tools. Canadian officials and opposition parties must therefore remain vigilant to ensure that appointments and policy directions are guided by merit and public interest rather than partisan loyalty.

Finally, the health of the Canadian media ecosystem is a critical factor. Way’s emphasis on attacks against independent journalism in the United States serves as a reminder that a free press is a cornerstone of democratic resilience. Supporting public broadcasters, protecting journalists from legal intimidation, and encouraging diverse media ownership are all measures that can reinforce Canada’s democratic fabric.

Public Reaction and Civic Engagement

Although the CBC video focused on academic analysis, the broader public conversation in Canada has already begun to reflect on the United States’ democratic challenges. Social media commentary and editorial pieces have drawn parallels between the American situation and domestic concerns about political polarization and institutional trust.

Canadian citizens, particularly younger voters, have expressed a willingness to engage more actively in the democratic process, citing the U.S. example as a catalyst. This includes increased participation in town‑hall meetings, voter registration drives, and advocacy for electoral reform. Such civic energy aligns with Way’s view that an engaged electorate is pivotal to reversing competitive authoritarian trends.

Community organisations across provinces have also taken note, launching educational campaigns about the importance of an independent judiciary and the role of the media in safeguarding democracy. These grassroots efforts echo the Canadian value of inclusion and collective responsibility, reinforcing the idea that democracy is a shared endeavour rather than a top‑down guarantee.

Looking Ahead: Lessons for Canada

Way’s analysis, as presented in the CBC report, offers a stark reminder that democratic backsliding can occur even in long‑standing liberal democracies. For Canada, the lesson is clear: vigilance, institutional independence, and active citizen participation are essential to preserving the health of our political system.

Policymakers can draw on this insight by reinforcing safeguards that prevent the concentration of power. This might involve tightening rules around the use of emergency powers, ensuring transparent appointment processes for senior officials, and protecting the autonomy of regulatory bodies from partisan interference.

At the same time, Canadians can take pride in the robustness of many of our democratic institutions, while recognising that they are not immune to erosion. By staying informed, supporting a free press, and holding elected officials accountable, Canadians can help ensure that the United States’ experience remains a cautionary footnote rather than a shared future.

By Alex Thompson, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: CBC News video report (15 October 2026); CBC News; Global1.News