WASHINGTON – Authoritarianism is not just the loss of democracy, freedom of expression or civil liberties. It can also mean horrific wars and massive loss of life. When we defend democracy, we are fighting not only for our personal freedoms but to prevent autocratic leaders from dragging us into bloody and unnecessary wars.
Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine offers a painful example of what happens when leaders have unchecked power. In February 2022, the Russian dictator ordered an unprovoked attack on Ukraine. No public debate. No support from legitimately elected officials. No objective media reporting. Putin, based on his own whims, simply plunged his country into war. The Russians who dared protest were jailed, opposition media was silenced and an estimated one-million people fled the country.
The human toll of Putin’s decision has been catastrophic. While not widely reported, the war has led to roughly one million Russian military casualties, including an estimated 250,000 deaths, in less than four years. Ukraine has suffered 400,000 casualties, including about 100,000 deaths. In other words, an entire generation has become cannon fodder for one man’s imperialist ambitions.
To put that carnage into context: the United States, with twice Russia’s population, lost 59,000 soldiers over eight years in Vietnam. Putin did this not because Russia was under attack, but because he could. He does not answer to voters, to a free press or to a functioning opposition. He has destroyed democratic institutions and crushed all dissent. As one of the wealthiest people in the world, he and his oligarch friends are shielded from the horror of the war, living in extreme luxury as a generation of young Russians die for the delusions of empire. That is what authoritarianism and oligarchy are all about.
And we must learn that lesson here in the United States, where the president shows his contempt for democracy and concentrates more and more power in his own reckless hands. It’s not just that he wants to usurp the powers of Congress and the courts. It’s not just that he wants to intimidate the media, law firms and universities. Now, he wants the power, in a grossly unconstitutional way, to take this country into war without the approval of Congress.
In this critical moment in American history, Congress and the American people must make it very clear. No, Mr. President. You don’t have the right to attack boats and kill people who you think may be drug dealers. No. You don’t have the right to bomb Iran. No. You don’t have the right to enter into military alliances with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, putting American lives on the line to defend dictators. No. You don’t have the right to go to war with Venezuela.
Because if we allow one leader, any leader, to take this nation into conflict without oversight, without restraint, without the consent of the people, then we have forgotten the lessons of history. And we will pay the same terrible price.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued this statement on December 5, warning of the dangers of unchecked executive power and the catastrophic consequences of authoritarian rule.
