I do not believe authoritarian methods are compatible with democratic principles and institutions. Democracy is type of government citizens elect the who will have political control of their state or country. These elected officials set policy, ensure the laws are followed and protect the rights of the people. An authoritarian government on the other hand holds power without the best interest of the people. These leaders run the country for a lengthy period and use their control with the military their authority is accentuated. (Martin, 2020)

Not sure how many of us have experiences with authoritarian governments. I understandCuba is not an authoritarian government, but a communist one. I noticed similarities when reviewing communism and authoritarianism. I spent 18 months in Guantanamo Bay and was allowedto walk through the entry gates into Cuban territory. I did this a couple mornings with some Cuban citizens who worked on the base. Early in the morningwe could see the Cuban military in their watch tower, binoculars on us as well as their weapon pointed at us hoping we would wander more into Cuban territory. There are landmines in the proximity of the security fences on both sides of the fence, US and Cuban territory. Cuban gunboats can be seen patrolling close to the US base looking for citizens trying to flee.

In 2017 some of my family and friends spent a week in Havana. I informed them what to expect and they could not believe their eyes when they arrived. Several of them said how it felt like they were in a time warp back to the 1950's. Majority of the cars were what we would consider an antique. All of them being Floridians, the one thing they could not get over was not seeing any boats. They have beautiful coastline for people to walk and there were no boats, except for the Cuban military gunboat hovering around the coast looking for citizens attempting to escape the island. There were no marinas, yacht club, fishing boats, buoys as the locals are not allowed to fish. Cuba imports their seafood from Canada. They also mentioned seeing several billboards around the city with Che Guevara's photo on it. Guevara played a key role in the Cuban Revolution fighting for justice and equality some regarded him a hero.

Authoritarianism is the awareness of supremacy led by a network of individuals serving the people who are not legally responsible to the society they are expected to embody and help. (Horizons, 2022) Authoritarian methods do not allow a free democratic process. They tend to stay in power for long periods of time and keep the power within the family or in their organization. They control the narrative told by the media to the public manipulating the citizens to believe certain actions are taking place for the good of the people, but it is for the good of the authoritarian methods.

Types of watchdog checks and balances required to ensure democracies do not move toward permanent authoritarianism are to monitor fair elections ensuring both sides are able to voice their concerns without retribution. Unlike in Russia, where President Vladimir Putin had his opponent arrested charged to be involved with extremist groups, and later died in prison.

The people are allowed to peacefully protest and voice their concerns, but not turn it into a riot or threat to the people in the community or the government. Continue to ensure elections are

Safe, no threats of violence at polling stations, then ensure election results are verified and opportunity for everyone to vote. Elections should continue to be conducted every two to four years allowing the possible authorized change of political party has power. Once elections results are certified, the public should respect the outcome. Additionally ensuring no government coup by overrunning the government or attempted assassination attempts of government leaders which could make the country vulnerable.

Democratic rgimes should reinforce the organizations and national laws while taking coordinated acts to care for the fight for democracy globally. Politicians in other nations should unite to fight the invasion of unchecked power and work to increasing freedom for all people. (Repucci, 2022) The government has the right checks and balances in place to prevent terrorist groups from spreading false stories which antagonize vulnerable citizens change is coming. A strong democracy ensures a fair legal system, regular and fair elections, free speech, freedom on the internet and freedom of human rights organizations.

I need constructive feedback along with a source to back up feedback