It is no coincidence that almost everywhere the new “bullies” of politics, i.e. the leaders who promote authoritarian standards and gradually undermine democratic values, are identified in the social goals they pursue<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We live in a time when many foundations of liberal democracy are shaking. Under the constant attacks of an authoritarian populism. And there is not much that ordinary citizens can do to help turn this tide. With an emphasis on nationalism, on the flattery of the most popular characteristics, on the complaint against the social and political elites, relative newcomer political leaders cultivate the cult of personality and gradually undermine and erode democratic institutions. Of course, this does not mean that their rationally democratic opponents are not also responsible for this development, in several cases. Mainly because they focus their political cries on issues that are noticeably distant from the concerns and basic interests of the large popular strata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few days ago in a discussion of executives of the American Democratic Party (politicians, strategists, pollsters, journalists, analysts, etc.), it was surprising that in addition to the expected criticism of Trumpism for eroding the institutions of democracy, the rest of the year was spent on issues of restoring racial equality, integration of the LGBTI community and the presence of women in power centers in business and politics. However, these issues do not concern the large masses of voters. In fact, many, even of the Democratic Party, are disturbed. Something like this, namely the obsession with political correctness, entitlement and the question of social identities, makes it easier for populists to “steal” the sympathy of the popular strata and rise to power (see also Edward Luce’s excellent book, “The Retreat of Western Liberalism’, Abacus, 2018).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is no coincidence that almost everywhere the new “bullies” of politics, i.e. the leaders who promote authoritarian standards and gradually undermine democratic values, are identified in the social goals they pursue. And which are exactly opposite to the choices of their “politically correct” opponents. Putin, Orb\u00e1n, Bolsonaro, Duerte, Modi, Erdogan, and even Trump abhor any idea of \u200b\u200bgay rights, fully equal opportunities for racial minorities, and broad discussion of women’s rights. The issue is that the large popular majorities are also indifferent to these issues, and that is how they bring and keep them in power. It is characteristic that in Philadelphia, USA, in the last elections, the Democrat Joe Fetelman won the seat of the Senate, completely abandoning these obsessions of the Democrats. Instead, he focused on traditional political values \u200b\u200bsuch as raising wages, full employment, youth issues, student loans, etc. Something that of course paid off in the end. Will the Democrats learn anything from him? Unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Democracy has now become very vulnerable. And it is at risk in the hands of authoritarian populists. The so-called “bullies” of politics (see also book Gideon Rachman, “The Age of the Strongman”, Other Press, 2022). It is in the hands of real democrats to prevent its eventual eventual collapse. But changing their political speech and adapting it to the immediate interests of the masses. Stop talking over their heads. And recognizing that many of their concerns, even some that for some seem outdated and unethical – such as nationalism, social insecurity, excessive care of social minorities by the state – have a basis, are real and need to be addressed. If there is no change in the agenda of the traditional democratic parties the populists will dominate and the bully leaders will emerge victorious.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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