STRENGTHENING OF AUTHORITARIANISM IN THE CONTEXT OF GEOPOLITICAL CHANGES AND SHIFTS

The article examines issues related to the rise of authoritarianism in the context of geopolitical changes and shifts. Societies began to demand charismatic leaders and other changes due to declining trust in democratic institutions and a combination of political, economic, and informational factors. The emphasis is on revealing the basic characteristics of autocracy, its growing popularity and acceptance in the world as a countermeasure to existing conflicts and local wars. It is a form of state protection and guaranteed stability, as well as an adequate level of economic development. However, it does involve certain restrictions on democratic rights and freedoms. The authors draw attention to the growing political influence of authoritarian countries around the world, the population's preference for strong leadership, and their increasing involvement in making crucial decisions about the current international situation. This is not least due to the weakening of liberal democracy and international law, as well as changing priorities in foreign policy, primarily that of the US political leadership as the guarantor of world law and order. It is a cause for concern that there is growing support for political parties that use authoritarian language and symbols. The authors believe that global poverty, environmental shocks, and tensions between indigenous populations and migrants shape electoral preferences during geopolitical changes and increased authoritarianism. Particular focus is given to Russia's role in establishing authoritarian traditions and exporting them to other countries. The authors emphasise the significance of the close connection between far-right forces around the world and the Russian autocracy which is increasingly exhibiting neo-totalitarian characteristics. The inability to resist the rise of authoritarian tendencies will contribute to a change in the political configuration of the world. This will have serious and lasting consequences in the context of the establishment of global democracy