America vs itself: Political scientist Francis Fukuyama on the state of democracy
Jan 13, 2024
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Political scientist Francis Fukuyama joins Ian Bremmer to discuss the state of democracy globally and in the US, highlighting the decline of democracy, authoritarianism, and corruption. They examine specific case studies like Hungary, Turkey, and El Salvador. They also explore threats to democracy in the US, including weakening political will and dangers of Trump's loyalists. The lack of internal crisis in the US and the complacency of Republicans after the January 6th events are concerns. Guardrails are necessary to protect democracy.
The decline of democracy globally and the rise of authoritarianism are major threats, with countries like Russia and China exploiting weaknesses in democracies and manipulating elections.
The United States faces potential threats to democracy, including the undermining of democratic institutions, disregard for court rulings, and the possibility of using the military to suppress protests.
Deep dives
Global Decline of Democracy
The podcast episode discusses the decline of democracy globally and the rise of authoritarianism in many countries, citing the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, which states that half of the world's countries are experiencing democratic decline. The episode highlights the success of authoritarian great powers like Russia and China, while pointing out that democracies have often failed to deliver on economic growth, citizen security, and combating corruption. Examples such as Hungary and Turkey are mentioned as countries that have slipped into authoritarianism by manipulating elections, controlling the media, and compromising the rule of law.
Threats to US Democracy
The podcast expresses concerns about the potential threats to democracy in the United States, particularly in the upcoming presidential election. It focuses on the statements made by the presumptive Republican candidate, who expresses intentions to undermine democratic institutions, weaponize the justice department, and remove civil servants who prioritize the rule of law. The episode raises alarm about the potential disregard for court rulings and the possibility of using the military to suppress protests. The fear is that a combination of political consolidation, loyalist appointments, and armed supporters could lead to a dangerous erosion of democracy.
The Need for Democratic Resilience
The episode emphasizes the importance of civil society and public resistance in protecting democracy. Examples from Israel and Poland are cited as instances where mass protests and civic engagement countered threats to democratic institutions. However, given the size and divisions within the United States, the effectiveness of similar resistance is questioned. The podcast acknowledges that the US has institutions like the judiciary and the military that could serve as checks on executive power. However, it raises concerns about the potential manipulation of the courts, the loyalty of the military at lower ranks, and the risk of armed violence between different groups in a deeply divided society.
In this edition of the GZERO World podcast, Ian Bremmer speaks with Stanford’s Francis Fukuyama about the state of democracy worldwide and here in the US. 2024 will be a pivotal year for democracy, and nowhere more so than here at home. A quarter of Americans believe that the FBI was behind January 6. But as the late New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said, “You’re entitled to your own opinions, but you’re not entitled to your own facts.” But today, in America, we cannot agree on basic facts. On this note, Fukuyama joins Bremmer to discuss the global and domestic threats to democracy.