Why democracies fail -- and why that’s okay | Sheri Berman | TEDxNewYork

Summary

The speaker discusses the challenges new democracies face, arguing that difficulties are not due to culture or history, but the inherent complexity of establishing stable democratic systems. Historical examples from France, Italy, Germany, and others illustrate the tumultuous path to successful democracy, showing that many attempts and failures are often precursors to eventual democratic stability.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Many new democracies are struggling globally, prompting discussions about their viability.
• 📉 The Arab Spring's quick transition to what is now called the Arab Winter highlights the volatility of new democracies.
• 🔄 Democratic backsliding is not just a Middle Eastern issue; Europe has also seen a decline in democratic values.
• 🏛 The French Revolution, while celebrated, did not immediately lead to stable democracy, illustrating the challenges of establishing new political systems.
• 🗡️ Post-revolutionary France experienced chaos, violence, and multiple regime changes, including the Reign of Terror.
• 🗽 The rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte showed that even charismatic leadership couldn't guarantee political stability.
• 📚 The historical pattern of European democracies shows that initial attempts often fail, requiring multiple tries to achieve stability.
• 🌉 The year 1848, known as Springtime of the Peoples, saw widespread but short-lived democratic revolutions across Europe.
• 🇪🇺 Post-World War II Europe saw the establishment of stable democracies, facilitated by international institutions and lessons learned from past failures.
• 🌟 Successful modern democracies, like South Korea and countries in Latin America, also had to endure multiple transitions and challenges before achieving stability.
• 📚 The historical perspective shows that democracy's path is often long and fraught with difficulties, not necessarily determined by culture or history.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the speech?

The main topic of the speech is the development and challenges of new democracies, with a focus on why they often struggle and how they can eventually become stable.

What is the 'Arab Winter' mentioned in the script?

The 'Arab Winter' refers to the period following the Arab Spring uprisings, where many countries in the Middle East that experienced democratic uprisings reverted back to dictatorships or faced political instability.

Why does the speaker believe that the failures of new democracies are not due to their history, culture, or religion?

The speaker believes that the failures of new democracies are not due to their history, culture, or religion because historical evidence shows that even in countries with stable democracies, the path to democracy was often long and fraught with difficulties.

What is an example of democratic backsliding mentioned in the script?

An example of democratic backsliding mentioned is Hungary, where there has been an erosion of civil liberties, collapse of political freedoms, and the rise of a neo-Nazi party called Jobbik.

How does the speaker describe the French Revolution's initial global reception?

The French Revolution was initially greeted across the globe as the dawn of a new era, symbolizing the potential for a new age of political freedom in Europe.

What challenges did France face after the French Revolution?

After the French Revolution, France faced chaos, violence, and a series of unstable regimes, including the Reign of Terror, which was marked by the use of the guillotine and the loss of many lives.

How long did it take for France to achieve a stable democracy according to the script?

It took approximately 165 years from France's first transition to democracy until it achieved a stable, consolidated democracy under the Fifth Republic.

What is the significance of the year 1848 in European history as discussed in the script?

The year 1848 is significant because it marked 'Springtime of the Peoples,' a wave of democratic transitions across Europe that, like the Arab Spring, quickly collapsed and led to the return of dictatorships.

What role did World War II and post-war changes play in the stabilization of European democracies?

World War II and post-war changes played a crucial role in stabilizing European democracies by eliminating right-wing extremism, changing the role of the United States in Europe, and the establishment of international institutions designed to stabilize democracy.

What lessons can be learned from the history of democratic transitions as presented in the script?

The lessons include that there are many paths to democracy, but few are quick or easy; democratic backsliding does not preclude later success; and the failures of past democracies can build up habits, norms, and institutions for later successful democracies.

Why does the speaker compare the failures of past democracies to entrepreneurial failures?

The speaker compares the failures of past democracies to entrepreneurial failures to illustrate that just as business ventures can fail and later succeed, democracies can also experience setbacks before achieving stability and success.