The concept of the Domino Theory serves as a cautionary tale, warning us about the cascading effects that unchecked power can unleash upon democratic societies—much like tipping over one domino can lead to an entire chain reaction that flattens everything in its path. Remember when we fought in Korea and Vietnam to stop the advancement of non-democratic countries? Are we going in reverse? USA leadership is cavorting with autocrats and rebuking democratic tendencies. Rather than a beacon of democracy, are we just another domino falling to the allure of dictatorships?

Dangerous Dictator

According to new polling by Newsweek Digital,  a majority of Americans now say they believe President Donald Trump fits the description of a “dangerous dictator.” Trump is running the United States like an over-the-top episode of “The Apprentice,” where he sits at the head of the table, armed with a catchphrase ready to fire someone’s career at his whim. “You’re fired!” echoed through countless careers as if he were playing an elaborate game where only he knew the rules—or rather, made them up as he goes along.  While some might humorously suggest that President Trump exhibits autocratic tendencies and harbors dreams of dictator-like authority—perhaps envisioning himself as the star of his own political reality show titled “The Real Dictatorship of Washington.” Trump wields absolute and unchecked power, making authoritative decisions without facing repercussions or challenges from any segment of society, including the ever-antagonized press.

Dictators Get Things Done

Don’t forget that old joke: “What’s the opposite of progress? Congress?” Well, it seems now we’re witnessing quite a bit of progress being made—for better or worse—though perhaps not in the direction progressives would prefer. As of October 6, 2025, President Donald Trump (R) has signed a staggering 209 executive orders, 53 memoranda, and a whopping 91 proclamations during his second term. Nearly nine months into this rollercoaster ride, he’s been on a mission to remake America in his own inimitable style. If it doesn’t fit his vision (or the vision of Heritage Foundation), he just zips right by with an “executive order” here and a “memorandum” there!  Congress who needs congress? Supreme Court? Rolls over and plays dead.

You’d think all this autocratic “shock and awe” would send approval ratings flying off the charts—or plummeting to new lows. But Trump’s approval ratings have held steady around the reliable range of 41 to 45 percent. Amidst all these tidal surges of policy changes, he still maintains a loyal fan base that seems to find joy in riding this wild wave!

As Trump asserts dominance on all national and international fronts with all the grace of a bull in a China shop. Remember when our fifth teacher passionately explained how these three branches were supposed to keep each other in check? I guess our fifth-grade teacher was wrong because every time Trump tried to assert his dominance, constitutional measures and branches seemed to evaporate faster than ice cream on a summer day!

Sounds Familiar?

Rather than rebuke Putin, he seems to emulate him.  In Russia, elections are about as genuine as a three-dollar bill; they’re mere facades masking rampant fraud that would make even carnival barkers blush with envy. Russia’s got electoral victories exceeding 100%, which sounds less like democracy and more like someone got carried away with their math homework. “we need bigger numbers!” how big we can get these numbers!” Well, just make it up. Why not have over 100% of the vote. And what about the Duma? The so-called legislative body serves only as Putin’s personal rubber stamp for his decrees. Opposition leaders find themselves languishing in a Gulag where Wi-Fi is spotty at best. The media landscape there is so tightly controlled that any legitimate press representation has become virtually nonexistent. You might have better luck locating Bigfoot than discovering an unbiased news outlet in that environment. Sound familiar? USA congress, press and democrats aren’t even speed bumps capable of slowing Trump down. They’ve were swept away like waves crashing relentlessly onto shore; the tidal force of Trumpers seem unstoppable!

In 2022, there were 57 dictatorships in the world; mostly poor countries located in Middle East, Asia and Africa. Some fully espouse being a dictatorship, while others sport the guise of democracy through elections that are about as authentic as American cheese (so far away from being real cheese they are not allowed to out the word “cheese” on the wrapper).  As we wade through this convoluted political landscape, it feels like America is balancing on one leg at the edge of a cliff, ready to tip over just like that awkward guy at the party who can’t hold his liquor. If we don’t safeguard democracy now, we might as well be auditioning for our very own reality show titled “America’s Next Top Dictatorship.”

Citations and Further Reading

Ballot Pedia. (2025). Donald Trump’s executive orders and actions, 2025. https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Trump%27s_executive_orders_and_actions,_2025

Devega, C. (2025). Why is it so hard to stop Donald Trump? Salon. https://www.salon.com/2025/09/13/why-is-it-so-hard-to-stop-donald-trump/

Kiely, E., Gore, D., & Farley, R, (2024). A Guide to Project 2025. FactCheck.org. https://www.factcheck.org/2024/09/a-guide-to-project-2025/

McHardy, M. (2025). Most Americans Describe Donald Trump as ‘Dangerous Dictator’—New Poll. Newsweek Digital LLC. https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-poll-dangerous-dictator-2066852

Planet Rulers. (2024). Current Heads of State & Dictators. https://planetrulers.com/current-dictators/

World Population Review (2025). Dictatorship Countries 2025. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/dictatorship-countries