U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has warned that democratic systems worldwide risk sliding toward authoritarianism if political leaders fail to prioritize the economic struggles of ordinary people.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference during a session on “The Rise of Populism,” the New York Democrat argued that widening inequality and perceived political betrayal of working-class communities are fueling instability across Western democracies.
“If we are going to stave off the scourges of authoritarianism globally, our politics need to center the working class,” she said in a video later shared on her social media platforms.
“Political Pendulum” in the United States
Ocasio-Cortez described U.S. politics as moving in cycles, with voters shifting power depending on which party they believe has failed to address economic concerns.
“The party that is seen most as betraying the working class tends to be the governing party in this moment,” she said, adding that current political dynamics reflect deep frustration among voters over inequality and economic insecurity.
She pointed to long-term policy decisions — including military interventions abroad and trade agreements such as NAFTA — as contributing to economic dislocation in rural and industrial communities.
Link Between Inequality and Populism
The congresswoman argued that economic anxiety creates fertile ground for populist movements, which can sometimes slide into authoritarian politics.
According to her remarks, political leaders often exploit economic grievances by directing public anger toward scapegoats rather than addressing structural causes of inequality.
She said this dynamic is not limited to the United States but is visible across multiple democracies facing similar challenges.
Broader Debate
Her comments come amid growing international concern about rising populism and democratic backsliding, topics frequently discussed at the Munich Security Conference, which brings together global leaders, policymakers, and security experts.
Analysts have increasingly linked economic inequality, job losses, and declining trust in institutions to the rise of populist political movements in both Europe and the United States.
Ocasio-Cortez stressed that restoring trust requires policies that deliver tangible economic improvements for working families.
