Trump 's Authoritarian Ways Can Hit You in the Hip Pocket

Barack Obama and others worry about the USA drifting towards authoritarianism (one or a few make the decisions). The alternative is the rule of law. Authoritarianism can satisfy our need for stability. But CIA data shows that it can hit you in the hip pocket.

2023 Income: Rule of Law Countries v. Authoritarian Countries

Austria, Poland, and Germany are Rule of Law countries. Hungary, Belarus, and Turkey are Authoritarian countries. The chart gives the per capita income for each country.

 Bottom Line: Rule of Law countries win hands down.

Why? With rule of law business can operate freely under the law. Under Authoritarianism you need an OK from an insider to do things. Even if you can do it, insiders may want a cut. If this becomes widespread the economy slows down.

 Data Source CIA World Factbook (downloaded June20, 2025)

For big time scholarship on this you can read Why Nations Fail. For USA income and wealth trends you can go to www.growthemiddleclass.com