Democracy Fatigue: An East European Epidemy

Democracy worldwide has deteriorated, with new populist forces challenging it through legal reforms. The 2008-2012 economic crisis has led to the success of populist parties and the rise of cultural backlash against liberal values. Eastern and Western Europe differ in their attitudes to the decline in quality of democracy, with Eastern Europeans feeling more satisfied with a defective democracy that empowers the populist-authoritarian political actors they support.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2023
Publisher: Central European University Press

Over the early 21st century, democracy worldwide has experienced a significant decline, coinciding with the emergence of new populist forces that challenge democracies through legal reforms. The stark contrast between Eastern and Western Europe in this regard is the focus of this collection of essays. The authors argue that the 2008-2012 economic crisis played a pivotal role in the success of the populist parties and the rise of cultural backlash against liberal values. In response, European governments implemented austerity measures, primarily demanded by the IMF and the EU, which contributed to the disenchantment with the European Union. These policies left the wider public feeling excluded from politics, leading to the appeal of populist parties that promised to restore power to the people.

The contributors to this collection argue that the polarization of the electorate can lead to a radicalization process that favors authoritarians over democrats. They also highlight the differences in attitudes towards the decline in democracy quality between Eastern and Western Europe. The studies examine how satisfied people are with the political changes they witness and suggest that seemingly more authoritarian attitudes in the East explain why individuals feel more satisfied with a defective democracy that empowers the populist-authoritarian political actors they support.

The collection provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics shaping democracy in the 21st century, particularly in the context of the rise of populism. It sheds light on the factors contributing to the decline of democracy and the challenges faced by democratic institutions. By examining the contrasting experiences of Eastern and Western Europe, the essays offer valuable lessons for policymakers and citizens alike as they strive to strengthen and preserve democratic values.

Weight: 556g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789633866399