Archive · 5 Sep 2025
Kaushik Basu: Trump's Actions Mirror Authoritarian Tactics
This article discusses concerns that former US President Donald Trump may be using legal charges to silence his political opponents.
The author, an economist, references a game theory model called the "Incarceration Game" to show how leaders can silence dissent by targeting specific groups.
Trump is accused of seeking mortgage fraud charges against critics like Lisa Cook, Adam Schiff, and Letitia James.
The author warns against this approach, as it can undermine equal treatment under the law, and ultimately hurt democracy.
The article uses the economist's research and the unfolding current events in the United States to highlight the dangers of what may become authoritarianism.
Kaushik Basu analyzes Donald Trump's actions in relation to authoritarian tactics.
Trump is accused of potentially targeting political opponents with mortgage fraud charges.
The author cites the "Incarceration Game" as a model for how leaders can suppress dissent.
The article points to concerns about eroding equal treatment under the law.
The author suggests Trump's actions may be a strategy to silence critics.
- Who
- Kaushik Basu analyzes Donald Trump's actions.
- What
- The article discusses concerns that Trump is using selective prosecution to target political opponents.
- When
- The events discussed are ongoing or recent.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To highlight potential erosion of democratic principles in the US, drawing parallels to authoritarian tactics.
- Author
- Kaushik Basu
- Basu's Position
- Professor of Economics at Cornell University and former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India
- Key Issue
- Trump's alleged use of selective prosecution
- Central Allegation
- Trump targeting political opponents with mortgage fraud charges
- Accused Individuals
- Lisa Cook, Adam Schiff, and Letitia James