I think there are a few reasons why we're seeing the authoritarian instinct activating so much more openly and frequently in recent years:

The rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle. Social media and the 24-hour news cycle have made it easier for politicians and other powerful figures to spread disinformation and propaganda. They have also created an environment in which people are constantly bombarded with information, which can lead to information overload and decision fatigue. This can make it easier for authoritarian leaders to exploit people's fears and insecurities.
The decline of trust in institutions. People are increasingly distrustful of institutions such as the government, the media, and academia. This decline in trust has created a vacuum that authoritarian leaders can fill. They can promise to restore order and security, and they can use their power to attack the institutions that people distrust.
The rise of economic inequality. Economic inequality has created a sense of resentment and frustration among many people. They feel that the system is rigged against them, and they are looking for someone to blame. Authoritarian leaders can exploit this resentment by promising to bring about change. They can scapegoat minorities and immigrants, and they can promise to redistribute wealth from the rich to the poor.
The spread of authoritarian regimes around the world. The rise of authoritarian regimes in countries such as Russia, China, and Hungary is having a ripple effect around the world. These regimes are exporting their authoritarian ideology, and they are providing support to authoritarian leaders in other countries.
The weakening of democracy. Democracy is under threat around the world. Authoritarian leaders are undermining democratic institutions, and they are using violence and intimidation to suppress opposition. They are also using technology to manipulate elections and spread disinformation.
The next question is what we can do about it. I believe that there are a few things we can do:

Support democratic institutions. We need to support democratic institutions such as the judiciary, the media, and civil society. These institutions are essential for holding authoritarian leaders accountable.
Promote education and critical thinking. We need to promote education and critical thinking skills. This will help people to become more discerning consumers of information. They will be less likely to be fooled by disinformation and propaganda.
Support marginalized groups. We need to support marginalized groups such as minorities, immigrants, and the poor. These groups are often the targets of authoritarian leaders. By supporting them, we can make it more difficult for authoritarian leaders to divide and conquer.
Engage in civic activism. We need to engage in civic activism. This could involve protesting, voting, or running for office. We need to make our voices heard and demand change.
Be vigilant. We need to be vigilant. We need to be aware of the signs of authoritarianism. We need to speak out against it whenever we see it.
The fight against authoritarianism is a long and difficult one. But it is a fight that we must win. If we do not, we will lose our freedom.