We are at a turning point. The question is stark: can we hold on to liberal democracy, or are we drifting towards illiberal systems and autocracies? The outcome is not predetermined, but the struggle demands cooperation, determination and commitment from democratic forces.
Defending democracy means accepting consequences – including becoming a target for those who oppose it. It means standing proudly for our principles and pushing back against those who distort core values such as the rule of law and freedom of speech. It also means rejecting vorauseilenden Gehorsam – anticipatory compliance – where individuals and institutions censor themselves out of fear or opportunism. This is becoming more widespread as polarisation deepens. But such self-censorship enables authoritarian actors to consolidate power without using force. Rather than letting them exploit our weaknesses, we must exploit theirs – both within our societies and beyond.
We must also resist attempts to redefine democracy. It is not a dictatorship of the majority, but a system built on principles: protecting the vulnerable, respecting all citizens and balancing individual rights with the collective good. True democracy is measured not only by how it empowers the many but also by how it safeguards the few.
Battling to defend democracy is neither easy nor without cost. But it remains possible. We still have agency and live in societies where resistance is feasible. There is no guarantee democracy will prevail – but no reason to surrender. History does not need to repeat itself. We can still defend our values and fight back.
Fabian Zuleeg is Chief Executive and Chief Economist at the European Policy Centre.
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