Trust and Fear Equals Democracy Versus Dictatorship
September 10, 2024โข313 words
The fabric of democracy is always fragile everywhere because it depends on the will of citizens to protect it, and when they become scared, when it becomes dangerous for them to defend it, it can go very quickly. ~ Margaret Atwood
It is often in the name of cultural integrity as well as social stability and national security that democratic reforms based on human rights are resisted by authoritarian governments. ~ Aung San Suu Kyi
Democracy is based on a delicate balance of trust between the electorate and their politicians.
Trust has proven to be highly fragile in a democracy.
Modern liberal democracies promise representation, accountability, transparency, and a means for people to voice their concerns.
If Democratic citizens are lied to regarding the promise or the platform that was given to them by a politician, trusts dissipates creating fear, disillusionment among the electorate, extreme fractual sociopolitical distrust in governmental bureaucracy and the societal institutions as a whole continues to erode trust within the adult population.
When mistrust erodes the confidence of the population, promises do not come to fruition, corruption by political elites is perceived.
When large percentages of the population feel disillusioned or marginalized, this erosion of trust in the democratic process can lead to deep discontent.
Extremism and fundamentalism often gain traction.
Disillusioned citizens may turn to radical movements that promise rapid solutions to societal problems.
Such populous movements exploit fear, economic insecurity, and social division to advocate for authoritarian leadership, presenting strong, one-directional leadership in the form of a dictatorship.
Authoritarian regimes can appear appealing because they promise stability, security, and decisive action, but suppress individual freedoms, no accountability, no transparency, and much secrecy.
When a modern liberal democracy is exploited by authoritarian style leaders, exploiting division and fear amongst the population, and scapegoating and targeting specific people within society, a democracy becomes very fragile.