If a population falls for an “us against them” polarization, they lose; but the authoritarian propagandist and adversarial regimes win.

A very powerful catalysts, that can be used to create martyrs on a false “divinely justified” war between “good and evil.”

Most authoritarians have a history of misdeeds prior to galvanizing total power. Their victims likely have a story to tell.

If a leader hides their grades, or “speaks” about their record, but it is not willing to have it scrutinized, they have something to hide.

Losing temper, or having an explosive response when facing even mild duress resulting in personal attacks, intimidation, or violence.

Authoritarians are surrounded by people who will rubber-stamp their antics, but this cowardly “obedience” system is in fact unsustainable.

Corruption will be at first be under wraps but it will be palpable until it galvanizes unilateral power, then they will be cavalier about it.

If you’re dress from head to toe in your “dear leader’s” regalia, or get snappy if somebody scrutinizes their actions, you’re in that cult.

Authoritarians weaponize sex, they view other human beings as objects instead of actual people who have a life and feelings.

Authoritarians think that making mistakes make them weak. They aim to convince others they are flawless to maintain control.

Scams such as questionable NFTs, merchandise, and other shady hustles are ways to measure loyalty and gullibility supporters.

Authoritarians and their useful fools’ equal accountability with weakness, hence they will likely double down on controversies.

When cornered they authoritarians will talk over their opponent to make them lose their train of thought and pander to their base.

A post from a prominent figure can potentially incite violence, because loyalists tend to see these are directives rather than opinions.

This can either be normalized gradually, or rapidly depending on the prominence of biases being exploited, and leads to abhorrent crimes.

When a propagandist accuses others of a crime or misdeed, it tends to be a pseudo-confession for their own nefarious tactics.

Authoritarians dispose even their most loyal followers the second they become inconvenient. Understand the patterns.

Petty or sophomoric name calling, or giving “nicknames” to others is a tell-tale sign of immaturity often used by authoritarians.

Suppressing the free press and fact-checking scrutiny, replacing it with “parroting” outlets is a clear hallmark of every authoritarian.

Authoritarian tend to use immigrants as a scapegoat – but only a “certain group” of immigrants. This exploits nationalism.

This is a huge red flag; and an obvious way to say they plan on committing crimes and not be held accountable for them.

If you’re buying merch instead of putting food on the table to support your “dear leader,” you’ve become their cash cow.

Authoritarians commit crimes, that is why they cling to power, they understand prosecutions will happen if they lose power.

They will use the government funds as their own personal piggy bank, if not directly they will lavishly exploit office perks.

It is NEVER ok to advocate for violence, even by proxy. Authoritarians realize that some of their followers will endorse violent actions.

Authoritarians only care about themselves, everybody else, even their most fervently loyal followers are disposable if inconvenient.

It is extremely dangerous when authoritarians target private citizens, because it inspires their base taking violent action unilaterally.

All authoritarians are thin-skinned, although the pose as “strong” – but they have a very shallow tolerance for criticism and scrutiny.

Exploits the ego of vulnerable men through misinformation by disguising it as “strength” with faux bravado, arrogance, and gender roles.

If there is precedent of civil or criminal charges, closely review the evidence and the process leading to legal proceedings.

Tax releases helps us understand if people's words match their financial records, or if they are experiencing financial duress.

The truth no matter how complex will add up automatically. Conversely, lies and exaggerations will often expose various inconsistencies.

Authoritarians claim every system that holds them accountable or where they lose is rigged. Yet they resort to cheating to win.

Authoritarians set strict and punitive rules, but they don’t follow these themselves. They often impose personal unilateral immunity.

Authoritarians change the laws and regulations to galvanize their power, then punish dissenters to erode any political opposition.

Authoritarians are quick to chastise others, but when the need of scrutiny comes their way, they will quickly call it an "unfair."

It's “somebody else’s faut." They use this tactic because under their “strong” façade they are insecure and vulnerable.

It is not unusual that those surrouding an authoritarian’s usually a record of incarceration, crimes, swindles, scams, etc.

This is an easy tell-tale sign of division and dehumanization. Racism is based on sheer ignorance and it is a highly exploitable catalyst.

Authoritarians gain oppressive inspiration for other galvanized authoritarians, hence they will either endorse or praise their regimes.

Claiming to have a majority or armed supporters to intimidate or inflict violence against others who do not agree with their regime.

They traffic in the court of public opinion, or where the rules are low risk for them, but they will cower when facing actual accountability.