Author warns that fragile democratic norms invite authoritarian takeovers
The writer reflects on recent authoritarian shifts in the US, Germany, Serbia and the UK, arguing that weak procedural democracy can be exploited by strongmen.
In a recent column, the author revisits a discussion with Paola Peduzzi and Leon Wieseltier that sparked his critique of contemporary democracy. He points to Donald Trump's authoritarian trajectory in the United States as a warning sign. The piece also highlights the AfD's victory in Saxony, a Serbian funeral that honored a nationalist figure, and a protest in England featuring black shirts opposing immigration.
Additionally, the author references a contentious event in Cernobbio attended by General Catenacci. Across these examples, he argues that a democracy reliant solely on legal procedures and without decisive enforcement invites power grabs by those who reject democratic rules.
Why it matters
It highlights how fragile democratic institutions can be exploited, a concern for citizens worldwide.
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