How democracies die from the inside

TLDR
Professor Jesper Stroembaeck, famous for writing about media and democracy in Sweden, recently wrote in the daily progressive Dagens Arena (Today’s Arena) how internal threats to democracy are often led by elected leaders who gradually erode democratic norms while retaining a facade of legitimacy. Drawing on insights from Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt's How Democracies Die, Strömbäck explores how authoritarian populists exploit democratic systems to consolidate power, normalize extremism, and undermine pluralism. He underscores the importance of vigilant institutions, robust media, and active citizen engagement to counteract these trends. Strömbäck warns that the survival of democracy depends on collective resistance to incremental authoritarianism and preserving democratic norms and values.

Jesper Stroembaeck Dagens Arena article addresses the growing internal threats to democracy posed by authoritarian populists who erode democratic institutions from within. Citing Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt's influential book How Democracies Die, Strömbäck argues that these leaders use democratic processes to gain power but undermine the system they are meant to uphold.

Stroembaeck identifies the normalization of extreme and authoritarian ideologies as a key tactic of populist leaders. By shifting the Overton window—what society deems acceptable in political discourse—they legitimize ideas once considered fringe. This process not only enables authoritarian leaders to gain power but also fosters societal division, often targeting minorities and opponents to consolidate their base.

Drawing on Levitsky and Ziblatt's framework, Stroembaeck highlights the gradual nature of democratic decline. Unlike coups or revolutions, today's threats often involve incremental changes, such as weakening judicial independence, restricting press freedoms, and undermining electoral integrity. These actions are framed as reforms or security measures, masking their authoritarian intent.

Stroembaeck emphasizes the role of institutions and citizen engagement in resisting democratic backsliding. Independent media, judicial oversight, and active political participation are critical safeguards against authoritarianism. However, he warns that complacency and polarization can erode these defenses, making it easier for populists to dismantle democratic norms.

By situating contemporary challenges within historical and theoretical contexts, Stroembaeck underscores democracy's fragility and the need for constant vigilance to protect it from internal threats.

Concluding Reflections

Jesper Stroembaeck’s article and its references to How Democracies Die to serve as a stark reminder of democracy's vulnerability to internal threats. Populist leaders exploit democratic systems to advance authoritarian agendas, normalizing extremism and eroding institutions. Strömbäck's call for vigilance underscores the responsibility of citizens, media, and institutions to resist these trends. Democracy's survival depends on collective efforts to uphold pluralism, equality, and the rule of law. The lessons from Levitsky and Ziblatt's work resonate deeply, reminding us that the defense of democracy is an ongoing commitment that requires both awareness and action.

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