The Incompatibility of Populism and Liberal Democracy

Introduction

Despite this shared foundation, their conceptualizations of “the people” diverge significantly, leading to conflicting interpretations of what democracy should entail. This divergence challenges the notion that populism could serve as a beneficial force for the democratic populace.

The Threat of Populism

While populism can highlight the shortcomings or failures within liberal democratic systems, it does not possess the capacity to rectify these issues. Rather, populism is often perceived as a fundamental threat to liberal democracy, necessitating proactive measures to address both the symptoms of populism and its underlying causes.

In recent decades, liberal democracy enjoyed widespread support, with citizens largely endorsing this governance model. Economies were flourishing, and radical political factions were marginalized, leading analysts to predict the stability of democratic systems in countries like France and the United States. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically, with citizens expressing growing dissatisfaction and authoritarian populism gaining momentum worldwide.

Global Shifts

From the United States to Europe, entrenched political systems are undergoing significant transformations. Landmark events such as the Brexit vote, the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and the rise of populist parties in France and the Czech Republic signify this shift. Most concerning is the entrenchment of Viktor Orbán's "illiberal democracy" in Hungary, posing a dire threat to the core principles of liberal democracy. The election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency stands as a striking example of this democratic crisis, yet it is not an isolated incident. In countries like Poland and Hungary, populist leaders have adopted strategies to undermine free media, weaken independent institutions, and stifle opposition, as noted by Bustikova and Guasti in "The Liberal Turn or Swerve."

Defining Liberal Democracy and Populism

Understanding the tension between liberal democracy and populism requires defining these concepts. At its core, democracy necessitates both the equality of all citizens and inclusive citizenship, with majority rule serving as another key pillar. Liberal democracies establish boundaries through mechanisms like the separation of powers and checks and balances. Populism, often viewed as a response to unmet economic expectations and cultural insecurities, poses a challenge to these democratic frameworks. While populism acknowledges democratic principles, it exhibits skepticism towards constitutionalism, advocating for governance models that bypass impediments seen in liberal democracies. This perspective aligns with what Orbán terms "illiberal democracy," where popular preferences are swiftly translated into policy without the constraints of liberal democratic processes (Lipset, pg. 7).

Populism vs. Liberal Democracy

Populism frames itself as a movement of "the people" against "the elite," viewing the elite as irredeemably corrupt and the people as inherently virtuous. Populist leaders claim exclusive representation of the people, contesting the pluralism foundational to modern democracy. The threat to liberal democracy is palpable, with cross-national surveys indicating widespread discontent with democratic institutions in Europe and North America. Although representative democracy maintains considerable support, with 80% of respondents endorsing it, there is an openness to alternative decision-making forms. Seventy percent favor referendums for major national issues, and 43% support expert decision-making, reflecting a willingness to explore non-traditional governance models. Despite this, support for democracy remains robust, with 78% of respondents affirming its superiority over other forms of government.

Consequences and Responses

Not all populist expressions threaten liberal democracy. For example, while the Brexit vote raised issues of parliamentary sovereignty, it also highlighted policy concerns. In robust liberal-democratic systems, debates on trade, immigration, and national sovereignty can occur without undermining foundational principles. However, unchecked populist movements can directly challenge liberal democracy. Efforts to weaken press freedom, constitutional courts, and the separation of powers, coupled with discriminatory practices based on ethnicity or national origin, risk eroding democratic institutions. Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán's explicit rejection of liberalism exemplifies these dangers, underscoring the need for vigilance.

Conclusion

The rise of populism presents a significant challenge to liberal democracy, threatening its foundational principles. While populism highlights important societal grievances, its approach often undermines the democratic values it purports to support. As such, liberal democracy and populism remain fundamentally incompatible, with the latter posing a real threat to the sustainability of the former. To safeguard liberal democracy, it is imperative to protect key institutions, promote political reforms, and address the legitimate concerns driving populist movements. Only then can we ensure the continued resilience and vitality of democratic systems.

Did you like this example?

435

18