How Democratic Backsliding Happens with Steve Levitsky
Dec 10, 2024
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Steve Levitsky, a Harvard professor and a bestselling author, delves into the pressing issue of democratic backsliding. He discusses the critical role of societal memory in resisting authoritarianism, drawing on examples from South Korea and the U.S. Levitsky explores competitive authoritarianism, highlighting how modern leaders manipulate public support while undermining democracy. He critiques presidential systems for fostering division and emphasizes the urgency for bipartisanship to safeguard democratic principles in turbulent times.
Democratic backsliding is a real threat in the U.S., necessitating awareness of the potential shift toward authoritarianism.
Citizen mobilization, exemplified by protests against South Korea's martial law, highlights the importance of public resistance to authoritarian measures.
Polarization poses a significant challenge for rebuilding democratic consensus, often requiring a political failure to unify diverse voter coalitions.
Deep dives
Introduction of Instagram Teen Accounts
Instagram has introduced new teen accounts designed to enhance the safety of adolescents as they navigate the platform. These accounts come with automatic protections that restrict who can contact teens and what content they can access, functioning much like safety gear for physical activities. The intention is to ensure that the online environment is safer for younger users, reflecting a proactive approach to digital security. Such features aim to help parents feel more secure about their children's online interactions.
Prospects for Democratic Politics in the U.S.
Looking ahead to the potential 2028 elections, there is cautious optimism about the Democratic Party's chances of winning. However, a significant challenge lies in rebuilding a consensus around democratic values in a deeply polarized political landscape. For this to occur, it may require a major political failure, such as an unpopular administration or disaster, that galvanized a broader coalition of voters. Without evidence of significant shifts over the past eight years, achieving such a coalition remains uncertain.
Recent Political Events in South Korea
A remarkable political event unfolded in South Korea when President Yoon, facing declining approval ratings, declared martial law, effectively impinging on civil liberties. In response, citizens swiftly mobilized in protest against the government's authoritarian measures, demonstrating their commitment to democracy. The parliament stood firm against Yoon's declaration by unanimously voting to overturn martial law, showcasing the resilience of South Korea's young democracy. This incident highlights how citizens can effectively counter authoritarianism and protect democratic institutions.
Democratic Backsliding and Authoritarianism
Discussions surrounding the backsliding of democracies reveal a concerning trend across multiple nations, including the U.S. This includes a comprehensive examination of competitive authoritarianism, where elections persist but are undermined by the manipulation of state mechanisms. The conversation takes examples from countries like Hungary, where leaders maintain the appearance of democracy while tilting the playing field in favor of the ruling party. Such political dynamics raise alarms about potential paths to authoritarianism in established democracies.
Impact of Populism and Public Opinion
The relationship between populist leaders and public opinion is crucial in understanding their longevity and impact. Leaders like Bukele in El Salvador have gained popularity by responding effectively to crises, often by adopting authoritarian measures that promise immediate results. Conversely, less popular leaders, such as South Korea's President Yoon, struggle to maintain authority when they lack broad support. The varying levels of public approval significantly influence the capacity of leaders to enact policies without facing substantial backlash.
We’re in strange times. In the U.S., we’re finding ourselves in a situation in which the possibility of genuine democratic retrenchment and some version of presidential authoritarian dictatorship is a real possibility. There’s a lot to consider as the liberal democracy we’ve become accustomed to could erode right before our eyes in the near future. Steve Levitsky is a professor of government at Harvard and serves as the director of the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies. Levitsky is also a New York Times bestselling author of numerous books including, “How Democracies Die” and “Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point,” which he co-authored with Daniel Ziblatt. He joins WITHpod to discuss entering into a new era, the uncertainty of this moment, the process by which a democracy might backslide into something that's less democratic and resisting the erosion.
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