As Americans, on the "US" message board, it might be easy to lose sight of, but the rejection of democracy in favor of more authoritarian government is a worldwide change. So I thought it might be worth discussing what's going on. Why is democracy losing ground? Why are people so disenchanted with it that they're willing to give control to unrestrained populist leaders?
Here's something I've been thinking about. A possible motive: Populist authoritarianism is winning out over democracy because it is more responsive to the will of the people. That's right - MORE responsive to the will of the people. Liberals are probably a bit confused by that statement, but it's true. By contrast, democracy is slow and plodding. It requires endless deliberation and negotiation to effect change in government. It requires that we build consensus and come to agreement before we pass laws.
Populism sheds these impediments and puts power in the hands of the people, via the people's tyrant. As long as you like what he's doing, it's all wine and roses.
I think the frustration behind this change is largely driven by misconceptions of what democracy is, and how it works. Democracy was sold as a way for people to get what they want out of their government. They told us that democratic government would make us all happy, healthy, educated, etc, etc ... But it just doesn't work that way. Constitutionally limited democracy, working properly, prevents identity politics and requires government to attend to the general welfare of the people, rather the focused interests. It prevents people from getting what they want, unless everyone else wants it too.
So, can it be turned around? Is there a way to convince people that democracy is a good thing, even if it doesn't give them exactly what they want out of government?
