Warning Signals of Authoritarianism: Insights from Sociological Research

Source: Author’s Facebook page
A recent study by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) on Ukrainians’ perceptions of the country’s direction is widely cited on government platforms. Proponents celebrate that 50% of respondents believe Ukraine is moving towards democracy.

But this is harmful complacency. The study reveals alarming trends that become clear when you look beyond the headline.

First, a significant number of Ukrainians—41%—believe the country is heading towards authoritarianism. The government, through its persecution of the opposition, the military, communities, suppression of freedom of speech, and so on, gives Ukrainians every reason to think so.

Second, the perception of democracy versus authoritarianism is moving in a deeply negative direction. Not long ago, KIIS reported that the vast majority of Ukrainians believed Ukraine was democratic. That is no longer the case. Democracy remains an absolute value for our society: 90% of those surveyed want to see the country as democratic.

Third, both the current KIIS study and other research by various centers show that Ukrainians perceive grounds for threatening changes. Over 65% view the “sanctions” against Poroshenko as a crackdown on the opposition or a distraction from the situation at the front. Among the signs of authoritarianism, respondents cite restrictions on freedom of speech, the concentration of power in the hands of the President and his entourage, and corruption…

By the way, other polls indicate that around 60% of citizens consider corruption to be the most serious problem—on par with the war, and in some surveys, even worse.

At the same time, more than 60% believe the government can and should be criticized—though constructively, with alternative proposals.

This is where Ukrainians grasp the dangers of dictatorship. Dictatorship silences dissent. The dictator’s inner circle acts without regard for public opinion. Moreover, corruption flourishes unchecked, and decisions made without accountability become ineffective.

In wartime, this poses a mortal threat.

Therefore, instead of boasting about statistics taken out of context, the authorities should take this as a moment to reflect. People recognize the signs of authoritarianism—and they reject them.

This ought to be a clear signal for a shift in policy. It is time to form a Government of National Salvation, comprised of professionals committed to delivering results rather than appeasing bureaucrats.

But the government is preoccupied. First, they need to remove Chernyshov. Then, they must secure votes for “Yermak’s 100% government.” Meanwhile, the people are left to watch the “marathon” and follow Telegram channels, where they are told why our leader is the greatest.

However, people are believing this less and less.

Recall, according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, the vast majority of Ukrainians negatively perceived the sanctions against Poroshenko, considering them a fight against the opposition and an attempt to divert attention from the situation on the front. 35% of those surveyed consider this an attempt to divert attention from the difficult situation on the front, and 29% – an attempt to neutralize the opposition on the eve of negotiations with Russia and possible elections. According to the survey, the share of those who consider the sanctions an attempt to punish the guilty has decreased by 4% – now only 34%.

On the eve of Constitution Day, Petro Poroshenko congratulated Ukrainians on social networks and emphasized that war does not justify the violation of the Basic Law with an authoritarian purpose. He noted that although martial law provides for certain restrictions on rights and freedoms. But not to the extent that it happened in Ukraine, where there is an excess of all rational needs necessary for defense. The fifth president noted that it seemed to him that the Constitution had been abolished altogether. After all, the government considers itself absolute and does not see any restrictions on itself.

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