“There are many reasons for such moves by Mr. Xi and others — including protecting their power and perks in an age of unrest, terrorism and war amplified by new technologies — but a significant one is that few countries have the standing or authority, morally or otherwise, to speak out — least of all, critics say, the United States.” The NYT on the latest (and biggest) global move in the direction toward authoritarianism. With Xi’s Power Grab, China Joins New Era of Strongmen.