FT News Briefing Martin Wolf and Robert Kagan on democracy’s year of peril
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Jun 2, 2024 Robert Kagan, a neoconservative scholar and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, engages in a compelling discussion about the global challenges facing democracy as crucial elections approach. He explores the rise of populist and far-right movements, their implications for democratic institutions, and the historical resilience of liberal values. Kagan also reflects on how a potential Trump victory could reshape U.S. democracy, touching on themes of polarization, loyalty in politics, and the looming threats of post-election violence.
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American Anti-Liberalism
- Robert Kagan discusses the historical roots of anti-liberalism in America, tracing it back to the Founding Fathers.
- He argues that Trumpism represents a resurgence of this sentiment, posing a significant threat to American democracy.
Why Now?
- Martin Wolf questions why this resurgence of anti-liberalism is happening now, given America's history of progress.
- Kagan suggests the resorting of political parties and demographic shifts contribute, alongside Trump's unique appeal.
Global Authoritarianism
- Wolf puts the American situation in a global context, noting the rise of authoritarianism worldwide.
- Kagan agrees but emphasizes that each country's historical context shapes its specific challenges.