Do you think another economic crisis like the Great Depression could lead again to the rise of authoritarian dictators because the people are content to surrender political self-determination in exchange for bread and peace?

Do you think another economic crisis like the Great Depression could lead again to the rise of authoritarian dictators because the people are content to surrender political self-determination in exchange for bread and peace?*

Sadly, yes. Even more so now, people are willing to give up their freedom for security. They care more about their own personal current well being than the implications their actions will have for future generations.

The rise of fascism after the Great Depression, was detrimental to nations worldwide. The idea that as Dr. Favelo puts it, “the government should keep it’s grubby hands off of business, that the market’s own invisible hand would eventually correct things” was disregarded and the notion that government interference was indeed needed was adopted by many.

I think this common view that it is the governments job to fix things is common even now, and I do not find it hard to see people submitting themselves to a authoritarian dictator if they thought it would give them personal relief and gain.

*Question from PHCPrep