In brief
The decline of democracy is evident, from the chaos of the Capitol riots to global far-right movements. What can be done to safeguard democracy against autocratic shifts?
In recent years, autocratic practices have been emerging in democracies worldwide, prompting concern about the health of political systems. The shadows of history loom large, reminding us of figures like Adam Przeworski, who fled Poland before a wave of anti-democratic turmoil. He later witnessed Chile's descent into dictatorship under General Augusto Pinochet. This experience fueled a lifelong quest to understand why democracies collapse while others stand strong. Historically, experts argued that democracies fortified after experiencing a few successful transitions of power and reaching economic stability. However, recent events have shattered this belief; the January 6 Capitol attack showcased America's fragility, while Brazil mirrored that unrest last year with calls for military intervention. Far-right parties, echoing Trumpian ideologies, are gaining traction in Western Europe, suggesting democracy remains perilous everywhere. As political landscapes shift, the urgent question arises: How do we protect democracies from falling into the grips of autocracy? Activism, education, and civic engagement may hold the keys to resilience in these challenging times.
