The risks of authoritarianism in democratic systems include the erosion of civil liberties, suppression of dissent, and concentration of power in the hands of a few. Authoritarianism can undermine electoral processes, limiting free speech and press freedoms vital for accountability. As leaders may curtail political opposition and manipulate institutions to maintain control, public trust in government diminishes. This growing authoritarian trend can foster societal polarization, increase political violence, and stifle individual rights, posing a significant threat to the principles of democracy and fundamentally altering the political landscape.