I don't blame the people or anyone supporting an autocrat who uses fear as a persuasive tool.

Humans are highly susceptible to manipulation and deception. They're prone to cult-like behavior and irrational decision-making when emotions run high.

Politicians running on a platform of fear understand all of these tendencies and work to exploit them. The key is for pro-democracy forces to recognize what's driving people to support strongmen and address those issues head on.