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Democracy Can Collapse Gradually
- Democracies can die without a formal coup when leaders ignore constitutions and norms over time.
- The Reichstag fire and the Enabling Act show how legal mechanisms can be subverted into dictatorship.
Polarization Enables Extremist Rise
- Polarization and fragmented party systems create space for extremists to gain influence.
- Moderates often remain quiet and assume rules will protect democracy, while extremes escalate rhetoric and violence.
The Big Lie And Conspiracy Power
- Conspiracy theories and the 'big lie' are core tools for authoritarians to confuse truth and mobilize followers.
- Hitler theorized the 'big lie' tactic and modern movements reuse similar tropes like demonizing cosmopolitan figures.