The Assault on Liberal Democracy
Challenges from Both Right and Left and initial ideas on how to move forward
Liberal democracy has long faced threats. In the early 20th century, it contended with the rise of fascism in Nazi Germany, followed by the authoritarian communist ideology of the USSR. These external threats, defeated at great cost, shaped our perception of future challenges, leading us to focus on external dangers like the rise of China or terrorism. However, the greatest threat today is internal, arising from our society's divisions. Alarmingly, attacks on liberal democracy are emerging from both the right and the left. While these threats are not equal, it is crucial to acknowledge, understand, and address both sides' underlying causes and grievances if we are to move forward.
The Right-Wing Assault: Strongman Authoritarianism and Populism
Rise of Authoritarian Leaders
The resurgence of strongman leaders in various parts of the world represents a significant threat to liberal democracy. These leaders, often elected through democratic processes, consolidate power by undermining democratic institutions, controlling the media, and weakening checks and balances. Leaders like Vladimir Putin in Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey, and Viktor Orbán in Hungary have all exhibited these tendencies, prioritizing personal power over democratic norms.
Populism
Populism, characterized by a rhetoric that pits "the people" against "the elite," has gained momentum in several democracies. Populist leaders like Donald Trump in the United States and Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil exploit public discontent with traditional politics, often scapegoating minorities and immigrants and promoting nationalist agendas. This divisive approach undermines social cohesion and erodes the pluralism vital to liberal democracy.
Erosion of Democratic Norms
The right-wing assault often involves a deliberate erosion of democratic norms and practices. This includes attacking the judiciary, limiting the freedom of the press, and engaging in gerrymandering and voter suppression. These tactics weaken the democratic process and pave the way for authoritarian rule.
Why would people want any of this?
The increase in right-wing tendencies can be largely attributed to the economic disenfranchisement of significant portions of the population. Over the past few decades, globalization and technological advancements have driven economic growth, but the benefits have not been evenly distributed. Many individuals, particularly those in traditional manufacturing and rural sectors, are left behind as jobs are outsourced and industries evolve. This economic displacement has fostered a sense of resentment and alienation among these communities. Populist leaders and right-wing movements have capitalized on this discontent, offering simple, often nationalistic solutions that promise a return to former economic stability and security. By tapping into the fears and frustrations of those who feel neglected by the political and economic elite, these movements have gained traction, further polarizing societies and challenging the tenets of liberal democracy.
The Left-Wing Assault: Free Speech and Equal Treatment
Infringements on Free Speech On the left, there has been growing concern over the restriction of free speech, particularly in academic and social contexts. The rise of "cancel culture" and the policing of language are seen by critics as attempts to silence dissenting opinions and enforce ideological conformity. This environment can stifle debate, creativity, and the exchange of ideas, essential components of a healthy democracy.
Identity Politics and Equal Treatment The left's emphasis on identity politics has led to accusations that the principle of treating all people equally is being undermined. Policies and practices prioritizing group identity over individual merit can foster divisions and resentment. Critics argue that this focus on identity can lead to preferential treatment and undermine universal human rights.
Intolerance and Exclusion Some left-wing movements have been accused of being intolerant towards those with differing views, leading to a climate of exclusion. This intolerance can manifest in efforts to de-platform speakers, boycott businesses, and ostracize individuals based on their opinions or associations. Such actions can create a culture of fear and conformity that is antithetical to the principles of liberal democracy.
Why would people want any of this?
The frustration on the left stems largely from the slow progress on social issues and the urgent threat of climate change. Despite decades of civil rights movements advocating for racial and gender equality, the promised results have been elusive, leaving many feeling disillusioned. Additionally, younger generations are increasingly anxious about climate change, perceiving that older generations have failed to take meaningful action. This impatience is particularly pronounced among younger people, who see traditional power structures as inherently flawed and are thus pushing for radical changes to achieve greater equality and environmental sustainability. However, their zeal to address these inequities and environmental crises often overlooks the risk of undermining core democratic ideals, such as free speech and equal treatment under the law. This tension between the desire for rapid progress and the need to preserve fundamental principles is a significant source of internal conflict within liberal democracy.
How do we begin to bridge the divide?
Addressing Inequality
Addressing inequality is essential to ensuring that more people benefit from the economic gains brought by new technology. As technological advancements continue to reshape our economies, it is crucial to implement systems that reduce inequality and provide broader access to these benefits. This is particularly important for the right, which often emphasizes the value of economic opportunity, and for younger generations who currently face the prospect of being worse off than their parents. By fostering inclusive economic growth, we can bridge the gap between different social groups and create a more equitable society where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
However, the acceleration of technology, particularly in fields like AI, presents a significant challenge. As automation and AI potentially displace large segments of the workforce, traditional job-based solutions may no longer suffice. One potential remedy could be Universal Basic Income (UBI), which guarantees a minimum income for all citizens. While this idea might be met with resistance from the right, which often opposes such redistributive policies, it may become necessary to ensure economic stability and social cohesion in an increasingly automated future.
Political Reform
Political reform is necessary to address pressing challenges like climate change and civil rights, where the existing system has repeatedly failed. The current political framework has struggled to effectively manage these issues, leading to widespread disillusionment and a lack of trust in governmental institutions. By developing new mechanisms to tackle these problems, we can build trust on both sides of the political spectrum. This will encourage greater engagement with the existing system rather than attempts to dismantle it. Effective reform can create a more responsive and adaptive political landscape capable of addressing contemporary issues with the urgency they require.
Despite its flaws, democracy has proven to be the most stable form of governance throughout history, providing peaceful transitions of power and protection of individual rights. However, for democracy to continue to be effective, it must evolve to better handle existential threats like climate change, economic inequality, and social justice. By enhancing its mechanisms to address these critical issues, we can ensure that democracy not only survives but thrives, providing a stable and fair framework for future generations. Improving the democratic process will enable it to meet the challenges of the modern world and maintain public trust in its ability to govern effectively.
Promoting Civic Education
Promoting civic education is vital for re-establishing a comprehensive understanding of liberal democracy and its benefits and drawbacks. An informed citizenry is better equipped to engage with societal problems constructively and participate in democratic processes. We can foster a culture of informed debate and participation by encouraging everyone to lead a more politically active life. This will help bridge divides and enable citizens to tackle issues like inequality, climate change, and civil rights with a more nuanced and balanced perspective. Strengthening civic education ensures that people recognize the value of liberal democracy and are motivated to work within its framework to effect meaningful change.
I’d love to know whether you agree or disagree with my assessment and whether we should protect liberal democracy?
Education, education, education. So many problems would be solved/avoided if people were better educated. And not just on matters that will bring them money. Educate people on arts, living a healthy life, think for themselves.
Thanks for the nice post :)
Hi Cymposium... Can you define this ' liberal democracy ' ? And then, place one nation next to it. The point of the exercise being, that there is no such thing called liberal democracy in reality. For in reality, America is a police state.