The real problem with authoritarianism in a democracy is that only assholes seek to become authoritarian leaders. The intellectuals work to save democracy, while the thugs seek to take it over.

Germany got screwed at Versailles. The country needed a strong leader who would defiantly renege on the treaty's onerous terms. Turns out, the only guy willing to step up was a psychopath. Oh, well.

In America, the Congress had an approval rating of less than 20% during Obama's second term, so whatever problems we had, Congress (i.e., democracy) clearly wasn't up to solving them. This time the only guy to step up was a pussy-grabbing grifter. Oh well.

Most Americans do not fear authoritarians. Well, maybe on abortion, which is a very good thing to have people care about. It just happens that the deal Trump has made to become dictator includes letting the religious right write some laws. As a general matter, though, an authoritarian can create laws that the majority is perfectly happy with. "What, me worry?"