In times of political and economic crisis, in which the USA is seeing a rise of hate and racism, history has shown a familiar pattern: authoritarian leaders refuse to take responsibility for their failures and instead shift the blame onto vulnerable groups. From the rise of fascism in the 20th century to modern-day autocracies, dictators have repeatedly used minorities as scapegoats, fuelling division and fear to maintain their grip on power. While we are all fighting with each other, they are busy doing their thing. Distraction is the key.
The Dictator’s Playbook: Shifting Blame
Dictators thrive on control, and when things go wrong—whether it’s economic downturns, political unrest, or military failures—they rarely admit fault. Instead, they create enemies. These enemies are often minority groups, marginalised communities, or social movements that challenge the status quo. By pointing fingers elsewhere, authoritarian leaders distract the public from their own incompetence and corruption.
A classic example is Nazi Germany, where Adolf Hitler blamed Jewish people for economic struggles and political instability, leading to catastrophic consequences. Similarly, in Stalinist Russia, Joseph Stalin purged ethnic groups, intellectuals, and political dissidents, branding them as “enemies of the state” to consolidate his own power. And now the USA has the petulant orange man who won’t take any criticism whatsoever, and you are fired on the spot if you are not a “yes” man.
Weaponizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Rhetoric
In modern politics, movements that promote social justice—such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)have become convenient targets for authoritarian-minded leaders. Instead of addressing systemic inequalities, some politicians claim that DEI initiatives are to blame for economic problems, social divisions, or even declining national identity. By framing DEI as a threat rather than a means of creating fairer societies, autocrats can rally support from those who feel left behind or threatened by change. Can you see the pattern here?
For example, in Hungary, Viktor Orbán has openly attacked multiculturalism and LGBTQ+ rights, portraying them as dangerous Western ideologies undermining traditional values. Similarly, in the U.S., figures with authoritarian tendencies have targeted DEI efforts in education, business, and government, falsely suggesting that inclusion initiatives cause division rather than addressing pre-existing inequalities.
Why Dictators Target Minorities
- A Convenient Distraction – Blaming minorities for a nation’s problems diverts attention from government failures, corruption, or mismanagement.
- Creating an “Us vs. Them” Mentality – Dictators rely on fear to unite their base, convincing the majority that an “enemy” is responsible for societal decline.
- Destroying Opposition – Targeting activists, journalists, or minority leaders weakens resistance and silences dissenting voices.
- Maintaining Power – By controlling the narrative, dictators ensure loyalty and prevent citizens from questioning their rule. Look at North Korea, the population is terrified of uttering anything to anyone, for fear of prison or worse!
The Danger of Scapegoating
History warns us that once a leader begins blaming minority groups for national struggles, democracy is at risk. From the persecution of Jewish communities in the 1930s to modern anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, authoritarian regimes use division as a weapon. Today, when DEI efforts are framed as societal threats rather than progress, it serves as a red flag for growing authoritarianism. Blaming a group for just “being there” so they can commit genocide without any consequences!
Nigel Farage has long relied on anti-immigrant rhetoric to stoke fear and division, blaming migrants for issues that have little to do with them. Whether it’s the struggling NHS, housing shortages, or crime rates, Farage repeatedly points the finger at immigration rather than addressing deeper systemic problems like underfunding, government mismanagement, and economic inequality. His claims often lack evidence but serve a political purpose—distracting from real policy failures while inflaming public resentment. By portraying migrants as the root of the UK’s challenges, Farage perpetuates a misleading narrative that ignores the contributions immigrants make to society and diverts attention from those truly responsible for the nation’s problems.
Resisting the Blame Game
To counter this tactic, societies must:
- Educate Against Misinformation – Understanding historical patterns of scapegoating helps prevent their repetition. This is a vital tactic.
- Defend DEI and Human Rights – Advocating for fairness and inclusion is essential in resisting divisive rhetoric.
- Hold Leaders Accountable – Governments must be scrutinised for their policies and failures rather than accepting convenient scapegoats. Money should not be why a political party is in power forever!
A dictator will always find someone to blame, but history has shown that societies that resist fear-mongering and advocate inclusion endure.
Art by Julan
Julan62 