An opinion piece published across multiple Australian newspapers by former Iranian detainee Kylie Moore-Gilbert contends that a younger generation is growing more tolerant of authoritarian rule, singling out Donald Trump as a key influencer who appears ‘more comfortable in the company of dictators than among America’s democratic allies.’ The piece has sparked debate over whether the former US president’s approach reflects a broader global trend or an isolated diplomatic style.
In an article appearing in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and the Brisbane Times, academic and former hostage Kylie Moore-Gilbert argues that attitudes toward tyranny are shifting among younger demographics. She writes that figures like Donald Trump—‘perhaps the biggest influencer of all’—are normalising relationships with autocrats, eroding the post-World War II consensus that democracies should isolate strongman regimes.
Moore-Gilbert draws on her own experience of being held captive in Iran for more than two years, lending personal weight to her warning. She suggests that for a generation with no direct memory of the Cold War or the struggle against fascism, the moral clarity of earlier eras has blurred. Economic anxiety, disillusionment with democratic institutions, and the rise of social media echo chambers may be making authoritarian alternatives seem more appealing, she argues.
The article does not cite specific polling data or academic studies, but it taps into a broader debate that has intensified since Trump’s presidency. Critics of the piece note that while Trump engaged with Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin, and other autocrats, his administration also imposed sanctions and pressure on Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Some commentators argue that his transactional approach was a pragmatic effort to advance US interests rather than an endorsement of dictatorship.
Others point out that trust in democracy has indeed declined among young people in many countries. A 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that only 44% of Americans aged 18–29 consider democracy the best form of government, down from more than 60% a decade ago. Similar trends are visible in parts of Europe and Asia. However, scholars caution that dissatisfaction with democratic performance does not automatically translate into support for dictatorship.
Moore-Gilbert's column has resonated with many readers who fear democratic backsliding. It also comes as leaders in Hungary, Turkey, and India consolidate power, and as China’s model of state capitalism gains admirers in the Global South. Yet the article’s central claim—that a ‘generation turning to tyranny’ is emerging—remains contested.
University of Sydney political scientist Dr. Emma Williams described the piece as a ‘valuable provocation’ but noted that ‘young people are often more idealistic and anti-authoritarian than their elders. The data is mixed.’ The debate over whether Trump’s legacy has mainstreamed autocracy continues, with Moore-Gilbert adding a personal and urgent voice to the conversation.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The article challenges the assumption that democratic values are universally held and stable, particularly among younger cohorts.
- If accurate, a generational shift toward tolerating authoritarianism could reshape global alliances and weaken institutions that have checkered aggression since 1945.
- The piece underscores how influential figures—especially former presidents—can shape political norms and public attitudes toward autocracy.
Background
Kylie Moore-Gilbert is a British-Australian academic who was detained by Iran in 2018 on espionage charges and spent 804 days in Evin prison before being freed in a prisoner swap. Her captivity gave her direct insight into authoritarian systems. The opinion piece extends her scholarly work and personal experience to contemporary politics.
Donald Trump’s presidency (2017–2021) was marked by warm public exchanges with Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other strongmen. His ‘America First’ approach often sidelined traditional allies and multilateral institutions, drawing criticism from those who saw it as legitimising authoritarian behaviour. Since leaving office, Trump remains a major force in US politics, with potential 2028 candidacy speculation.
Democracy indices have shown a global decline in democratic quality for over a decade, with countries such as Hungary, Poland (under previous government), and Turkey backsliding. Younger generations in these nations have expressed frustration with democracy’s perceived inefficiencies, sometimes favouring strongman solutions.
Key Perspectives
[Kylie Moore-Gilbert / The Article]: Argues there is a dangerous, growing tolerance for tyranny among younger people, and that Trump exemplifies and accelerates this trend by treating dictators as peers rather than pariahs.
[Trump Supporters / Realist Foreign Policy Advocates]: Counter that Trump’s engagement with autocrats was strategic—aimed at denuclearisation, economic leverage, or reducing military tensions—and did not signal moral approval. They argue labeling such diplomacy as pro-tyranny misreads pragmatic statecraft.
[Democratic Resilience Scholars]: Acknowledge democratic discontent but caution against overstating support for dictatorship. Polls often conflate dissatisfaction with democracy’s performance with endorsement of alternatives. Many young people remain deeply committed to democratic principles, even if they are critical of current systems.
[The Author’s Critics]: Question whether Moore-Gilbert’s traumatic personal experience might colour her assessment, and note that she provides little systematic evidence for a generational shift. They call for more rigorous comparative research before drawing sweeping conclusions.
What to Watch
- Future opinion surveys measuring attitudes toward authoritarian governance among 18–35 year olds in key democracies (US, UK, Australia, Germany, Japan).
- Trump’s public statements and meetings with foreign leaders during the 2028 campaign, if he runs—will he continue to normalise dictators or adjust his messaging?
- Academic and policy response: will this article spark further research into democratic values across generations and the impact of charismatic leaders on political norms?