Kuch logo ko democracy ke vishay par in depth path ki behad avashyakta hai
From How Democracies die
Once a would-be authoritarian makes it to power…. Institutions alone are not enough to rein in elected autocrats. Constitutions must be defended—by political parties and organized citizens, but also by democratic norms. 1/
Once a would-be authoritarian makes it to power…. Institutions alone are not enough to rein in elected autocrats. Constitutions must be defended—by political parties and organized citizens, but also by democratic norms. 1/
Institutions become political weapons, wielded forcefully by those who control them against those who do not. This is how elected autocrats subvert democracy—packing and “weaponizing” the courts and other neutral agencies, buying off the media and the private sector 2/
The tragic paradox of the electoral route to authoritarianism is that democracy’s assassins use the very institutions of democracy—gradually, subtly, and even legally—to kill it.
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Many government efforts to subvert democracy are “legal,” in the sense that they are approved by the legislature or accepted by the courts. They may even be portrayed as efforts to improve democracy
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Newspapers still publish but are bought off or bullied into self-censorship. Citizens continue to criticize the government but often find themselves facing tax or other legal troubles.
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Democracies work best—and survive longer—where constitutions are reinforced by unwritten democratic norms. And if one thing is clear from studying breakdowns throughout history, it’s that extreme polarization can kill democracies.
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For would-be authoritarians, therefore, judicial and law enforcement agencies pose both a challenge and an opportunity. With the courts packed and law enforcement authorities brought to heel, governments can act with impunity.
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Capturing the referees provides the government with more than a shield. It also offers a powerful weapon, allowing the government to selectively enforce the law, punishing opponents while protecting allies.
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Tax authorities may be used to target rival politicians, businesses, and media outlets. The police can crack down on opposition protest while tolerating acts of violence by progovernment thugs
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Governments may also use their control of referees to “legally” sideline the opposition media, often through libel or defamation suits.
As key media outlets are assaulted, others grow wary and begin to practice self-censorship
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As key media outlets are assaulted, others grow wary and begin to practice self-censorship
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Elected autocrats also seek to weaken business leaders with the means to finance opposition.
Starved of resources, opposition parties weakened, many to the point of extinction.
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Starved of resources, opposition parties weakened, many to the point of extinction.
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Finally, elected autocrats often try to silence cultural figures—artists, intellectuals, pop stars, athletes—whose popularity or moral standing makes them potential threats.
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The quiet silencing of influential voices—by co-optation or, if necessary, bullying—can have potent consequences for regime opposition.
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When powerful businesspeople are jailed or ruined economically, as in the case of Khodorkovsky in Russia, other businesspeople conclude that it is wisest to withdraw from politics entirely
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And when opposition politicians are arrested or exiled, as in Venezuela, other politicians decide to give up and retire. Many dissenters decide to stay home rather than enter politics, and those who remain active grow demoralized. This is what the government aims for.
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Once key opposition, media, and business players are bought off or sidelined, the opposition deflates. The government “wins” without necessarily breaking the rules.
16/16 from How Democracies Die citing Russia, Venezuela & state of democracy in the US.
16/16 from How Democracies Die citing Russia, Venezuela & state of democracy in the US.
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