Daniel Ziblatt - How Democracies Die

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Professor Daniel Zeb Ladd explores the evolution of democracy's decline, highlighting how, since the end of the Cold War, elected leaders have used democratic institutions to dismantle democracy. He emphasizes the importance of preventing authoritarian demagogues from gaining power, stressing the role of political parties in drawing lines against these figures. Ladd further argues that democracy is at risk when checks and balances are undermined by political polarization, calling for a return to mutual respect and cooperation between political rivals to safeguard democratic systems.

Takeaways

• 😀 Democracies have changed in how they die: during the Cold War, most fell through military coups; since then, they die through elections, with elected leaders dismantling democratic institutions.
• 😀 The key challenge today is preventing demagogues, with authoritarian inclinations, from using democratic systems to gain power and later dismantle them.
• 😀 Historically, political parties and politicians have prevented demagogues by drawing a line and refusing to cooperate with them. This is crucial in stopping authoritarian leaders from rising.
• 😀 When mainstream politicians failed to reject demagogues (e.g., Mussolini, Hitler, Chavez), they mistakenly tried to tap into their popularity, forming a Faustian bargain that backfired.
• 😀 Once a demagogue is in office, democracy faces a critical challenge. Checks and balances alone may not prevent authoritarian power without unwritten norms and political commitment.
• 😀 The U.S. system of checks and balances depends heavily on mutual toleration and self-restraint among political leaders to function effectively.
• 😀 The Constitution's role is not automatic—it requires political leaders to uphold norms and behaviors that protect democracy over time.
• 😀 As polarization grows in American politics, mutual respect and restraint between political leaders are increasingly frayed, making democracy more fragile.
• 😀 Viewing political opponents as enemies rather than rivals erodes democratic norms, contributing to the instability of democratic systems globally, including the U.S.
• 😀 The future of U.S. democracy depends on repairing the political system and fostering mutual respect, treating political opponents as rivals with competing visions rather than existential threats.

Q & A

How have the ways in which democracies die changed over time?

During the Cold War, most democracies died through military coups. However, since the end of the Cold War, democracies are more likely to die through elections, where elected leaders come to office and dismantle democratic institutions once in power.

What is the primary concern when it comes to preventing authoritarian leaders from rising to power?

The primary concern is preventing demagogues, who have authoritarian inclinations, from using democratic institutions to come to power and then dismantling them. This is traditionally achieved through political parties and politicians who must have the courage to oppose these figures.

How have mainstream politicians historically dealt with demagogues?

Historically, rather than drawing a clear line to oppose demagogues, mainstream politicians have often tried to tap into the popularity of these figures. This has led to dangerous alliances, such as the support for Mussolini in Italy, Adolf Hitler in Germany, and Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, which ultimately backfired.

Why do political bargains with demagogues tend to backfire?

Political bargains with demagogues backfire because the demagogues, once in power, pose an existential threat to democracy. Mainstream politicians often overestimate their ability to control these figures, but once in power, demagogues can dismantle democratic institutions and consolidate authoritarian control.

What role do checks and balances play in limiting the power of authoritarian leaders in the United States?

Checks and balances are designed to constrain the power of overreaching politicians. However, this system relies on unwritten rules, such as mutual toleration and self-restraint, which are crucial to ensuring democracy works effectively.

What is the potential issue with the current state of American political norms?

As polarization has increased in American politics, the norms of mutual toleration and self-restraint have frayed. Politicians now often view each other as existential threats rather than rivals, making democracy more fragile.

How has the perception of political opponents changed in the United States?

In the United States, politicians increasingly view their opponents not merely as rivals with competing visions but as enemies. This perception weakens the foundations of democracy, as it undermines respect and collaboration between political figures.

What is the suggested approach to repairing the political system?

The suggested approach is for citizens and political leaders to treat each other with respect, seeing opponents as rivals with differing views, rather than enemies. People must fight for their beliefs while also fostering mutual respect and understanding.

What are the main challenges facing the United States, according to the speaker?

The United States faces significant challenges, particularly the erosion of political norms and increasing polarization. However, the country is still considered a strong democracy due to its age, wealth, and the potential for renewal if these challenges are addressed.

What is the key message about the future of American democracy?

The key message is that while American democracy faces challenges, it remains a very old and rich democracy with potential for repair. By repairing political norms and fostering respect, the United States can overcome these challenges and continue to thrive.