Martin Wolf über die Krise des demokratischen Kapitalismus - #1022

In this book, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt examine the breakdown of democracies, arguing that modern democracies do not die in a sudden coup but rather through the slow erosion of critical institutions and political norms. Drawing on decades of research and examples from 1930s Europe to contemporary cases in Hungary, Turkey, Venezuela, and the American South during Jim Crow, the authors highlight the importance of mutual toleration and forbearance in maintaining democratic stability. They identify key indicators of authoritarian behavior, such as the rejection of democratic rules, denial of opponents' legitimacy, tolerance of violence, and curtailment of civil liberties. The book also discusses the role of political parties in defending democracy and proposes solutions to counteract democratic backsliding, including elite-level cooperation, addressing social inequalities, and restoring democratic norms.

In this book, Martin Wolf examines the strained relationship between capitalism and democracy, highlighting how economic and political changes have undermined this marriage. He argues that despite its recent failings, such as slowing growth and increasing inequality, democratic capitalism is still the best system we know for human flourishing. Wolf emphasizes that capitalism and democracy are complementary opposites that need each other to thrive and that their separation would be catastrophic. The book concludes by discussing what needs to be done to address the threats to liberal democracy itself.

In 'Politics', Aristotle examines the nature of the city-state (polis) as the highest form of human community, discussing various forms of government and their merits. He critiques existing theories, such as those of Plato, and outlines his own vision for an ideal society, emphasizing the importance of a strong middle class and distributive justice. The work is divided into eight books, covering topics from household management to the ideal size and structure of a city.