The People vs. Democracy

1. Liberal democracy is splitting into illiberal democracy and undemocratic liberalism

Liberal democracy—the unique mix of individual rights and popular rule that has long characterized most governments in North America and Western Europe—is coming apart.

Two competing trends are emerging: On one side, populist leaders are dismantling liberal institutions while claiming to represent the "true will of the people." On the other side, unelected technocrats and judges are wielding increasing power over policy decisions with little democratic accountability. This split threatens the delicate balance between individual rights and popular sovereignty that has defined liberal democracy.

• Illiberal democracy:
• Elected leaders attack independent institutions like courts and media
• Individual and minority rights are eroded
• Popular will is invoked to justify authoritarian measures

Undemocratic liberalism:

• Unelected bodies like central banks and regulatory agencies gain power
• Judicial review overrides legislation
• International treaties constrain national sovereignty

2. Democracy is deconsolidating as citizens lose faith in the system

Citizens have long been disillusioned with politics; now, they have grown restless, angry, even disdainful.

Trust in democratic institutions is plummeting, especially among younger generations. Surveys show declining belief in the importance of democracy and growing openness to authoritarian alternatives. This "deconsolidation" of democracy reverses a long trend of increasing democratic stability in wealthy nations.

Signs of deconsolidation:

• Falling trust in politicians, parties, and institutions
• Declining voter turnout and party membership
• Growing support for anti-system parties and candidates
• Increasing willingness to support "strongman" leaders or military rule

Particularly pronounced among millennials:

• Less likely to view democracy as essential
• More open to authoritarian alternatives
• More likely to support populist parties on left and right

3. Social media has disrupted traditional gatekeepers and empowered outsiders

The rise of many-to-many communication has made it easy for viral information to race around the world.

Social media has fundamentally altered communication, democratizing the ability to reach mass audiences. This has undermined traditional media gatekeepers and empowered political outsiders to spread their messages. While offering new opportunities for activism and engagement, it has also facilitated the spread of misinformation and extreme ideologies.

Effects of social media on politics:

• Enables direct communication between politicians and public
• Amplifies fringe voices and conspiracy theories
• Creates echo chambers and filter bubbles
• Accelerates the news cycle and rewards outrage
• Facilitates rapid organization of protests and movements

4. Economic stagnation and inequality have fueled populist resentment

The combined effect of slowing growth and accelerating inequality has been a stagnation in living standards for huge parts of the population.

Economic anxiety is driving political instability. After decades of rising prosperity, many citizens in Western democracies have seen their living standards stagnate. Growing inequality has concentrated gains at the top while leaving many behind. This has eroded faith in the economic and political system.

Key economic trends:

• Slowing overall growth in developed economies
• Rising income and wealth inequality
• Stagnant wages for middle and working classes
• Declining economic mobility
• Job losses from globalization and automation

Political impacts:

• Growing resentment toward elites and "the system"
• Loss of faith in mainstream parties and policies
• Attraction to populist promises of radical change

5. Immigration and demographic changes are challenging national identities

Throughout the history of democratic societies, citizens have always been wary of letting outsiders dilute their voice.

Rapid demographic shifts are fueling anxiety about national identity and culture in many Western democracies. Large-scale immigration and increasing diversity have challenged traditional conceptions of national belonging. This has created fertile ground for exclusionary nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment.

Demographic trends:

• Rising foreign-born populations in many countries
• Growth of ethnic and religious minority communities
• Aging native populations in many Western nations

Political and cultural impacts:

• Debates over integration and assimilation
• Rise of anti-immigrant and nativist movements
• Tensions over multiculturalism vs. national identity

6. Populists exploit fears and offer simplistic solutions to complex problems

Populist leaders who claim that they alone embody the will of the people is remarkable in historical perspective.

Populist movements are gaining ground by tapping into economic and cultural anxieties. They offer simplistic narratives that blame elites and outsiders for society's problems, while promising easy solutions. This poses a threat to liberal democratic norms and institutions.

Key features of populist rhetoric:

• Claim to represent the "true people" against corrupt elites
• Demonization of opponents and minorities
• Promise of radical change and national renewal
• Rejection of expertise and complex policy solutions
• Attacks on independent institutions and media

7. Preserving democracy requires renewing civic faith and economic opportunity

To save democracy, we need, in other words, to unite citizens around a common conception of their nation; to give them real hope for their economic future; and to make them more resistant to the lies and the hate they encounter on social media each and every day.

Defending democracy requires addressing root causes of popular discontent, not just resisting authoritarian leaders. This means renewing economic opportunity, fostering inclusive national identities, and rebuilding civic engagement and trust in institutions.

Key areas for renewal:

• Economic policies to boost growth and reduce inequality
• Education and training for a changing economy
• Inclusive patriotism that bridges divides
• Civic education to build democratic values
• Media literacy to combat misinformation
• Reforms to increase political responsiveness and accountability

8. Inclusive patriotism can counter exclusionary nationalism

To win the fight for an inclusive form of patriotism, countries will have to do much more to facilitate a real sense of community among all citizens and ease lingering fears about future migration.

An inclusive conception of national identity is needed to counter exclusionary nationalism. This means embracing diversity while fostering a shared sense of belonging and common values. It requires addressing legitimate concerns about integration while rejecting xenophobia.

Elements of inclusive patriotism:

• Emphasis on civic rather than ethnic nationalism
• Celebration of diversity within a common national story
• Promotion of shared language and values
• Policies to facilitate integration of immigrants
• Addressing economic and social factors behind anti-immigrant sentiment

9. Reforming the economy is crucial to address inequality and restore faith

To stop the rise of populism, we have to allay those complex fears and envision a better tomorrow.

Economic reforms are needed to restore faith in the system and create broadly shared prosperity. This requires rethinking policies on taxation, education, housing, and the social safety net to boost opportunity and reduce inequality.

Key areas for economic reform:

• Progressive taxation to reduce inequality
• Investment in education and skills training
• Policies to reduce housing costs
• Modernizing the social safety net for the gig economy
• Antitrust enforcement to increase competition
• Industrial policy to boost productivity and wages

10. Civic education and engagement are essential to democracy's survival

To make the digital age safe for democracy, we therefore need to shape not only what messages are spread on social media, but also how they are likely to be received.

Revitalizing civic education and engagement is crucial to maintaining democratic values and institutions. This means equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills to participate effectively in democracy and resist authoritarian appeals.

Elements of civic renewal:

• Improved civics education in schools
• Adult education programs on government and politics
• Promotion of media literacy and critical thinking
• Opportunities for community engagement and public service
• Reforms to increase transparency and accountability in government

Last updated: November 7, 2024