Can Democracies Tackle Illiberal and “Inward-Looking” Drives?
Can Democracies Tackle Illiberal and “Inward-Looking” Drives?
Author(s): Daniel DăianuSubject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Social Sciences, Economy, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Political Sciences, Governance, Geopolitics
Published by: Institutul European din România
Keywords: liberal democracy; illiberalism; “inward-looking syndrome”; nationalism; de-globalisation; multilateralism; protectionism; integration; fragmentation; inclusion; inequality; fairness; Eurozone;
Summary/Abstract: There is evidence of mounting illiberal inclinations in the industrialized world, in democratic societies; an “inward-looking” syndrome (rising nationalism) is also taking place. Are they to be linked with temporary drivers in the ‘extraordinary times’ we are living through, or do they have deeper roots? An answer to this question begs an examination of trends in society and economy, of the emergence of new (unconventional) threats, of disruptions and, not least, of failed public policies. The argument that ‘liberal democracy’ is on the wane is misleading to the extent that policies can be corrected, that citizens and elites alike do not lose trust in democratic values. It may also be true that, although democracy has a ‘liberal core’, it can also be driven by ‘illiberal’ components, and that the magnitude of the latter can vary. But for democracy to survive, its liberal core must be preserved.
Journal: Romanian Journal of European Affairs
- Issue Year: 19/2019
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 5-22
- Page Count: 18
- Language: English