Imaginary Worlds Fantasy and Fascism Part II: When Democracy Fails
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Jul 17, 2024 David Kenny, a political science professor at Trinity College Dublin, dives into why democracies fail by analyzing lessons from the collapse of the Old Republic in Star Wars. The conversation explores the allure of authoritarianism and the pitfalls of military aesthetics in fantasy narratives. Kenny discusses the tensions of power dynamics, especially within the New Republic, and critiques the ethical dilemmas faced by fictional democracies like X-Men. The episode also emphasizes proactive leadership as essential for safeguarding democratic values against rising fascist threats.
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Why Fascists Gain Support
- Fascists gain power because people want clear answers and solutions after crises.
- Military and authoritarian regimes often have a deliberate appeal absent in messy democracies.
Weak States Breed Strong Tyrants
- Weak states with too many legal restraints can cause people to lose faith in democracy.
- Overly strong government often arises from the failures of overly weak systems.
Law Alone Won't Save Democracy
- Commitment to law is superficial if people don't uphold its purposes.
- Authoritarian regimes can manipulate legal systems to mask oppression.