How Democracies Die

Democracies have always been fragile and in the past, they have failed and been broken dramatically. Often by the blatant dictatorship in the form of fascism, communism, or military rule. Perhaps most obviously by the burning of the Reichstag which occurred 4 weeks after Hitler had been sworn in as Chancellor of Germany.

It is still happening but has become more subtle since the end of the cold war. Democracies die more slowly now in steps not recognized as a threat to democracy and often by elected governments themselves. 

Politicians now treat their rivals as enemies, free press is intimidated, courts are weakened to mention three subtle moves. Often they are said to be efforts to improve democracy; combatting corruption; sorting the judiciary and daring the swamp.

Trouble is a creeping subversion of democracy may go a long way down a slippery slope. Perhaps growing confidence makes some of these moves blatant as an electorate becomes more partisan. How easy it would be for that slide to become a fall from a precipice.

Like many, I feel uncomfortable with what is happening in the States. How far away from similar upheaval is the UK? I hope a long way - but bear in mind Boris’ sycophancy for Trump. Remember our breaking of international law. The chumocracy that has become prevalent. And am I right in thinking that the newly appointed BBC Chairman has donated over ￡400,000 to the Conservative party?

This is not a bash on the British Tories or any other party in the UK. Nor is it a dig at the Grand Old Party in the States. It is more out of fear that we often take something for granted until we no longer have it. It is only then we realize how precious it was.

Recent times have seen democracies fail. There are some still remaining and hopefully, we will be able to avoid the 2020’s being the decade when we need to write a requiem for democracy.