Democracy, once celebrated as the pinnacle of political evolution, could potentially be facing a perilous decline
In Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism, journalist and historian Anne Applebaum delves into the troubling rise of authoritarian tendencies within democratic nations. Through case studies in Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Applebaum sheds light on the intellectuals and elites who have embraced populism and authoritarianism, abandoning the democratic principles they once championed.
The Intellectual Betrayal: The Role of the “Clercs”
At the heart of Applebaum’s analysis is a group she labels “clercs,” borrowing the term from Julien Benda’s book La Trahison des Clercs (The Treason of the Intellectuals). These clercs are not the uneducated masses often blamed for the rise of populism; rather, they are highly educated, influential individuals who provide the intellectual justification for authoritarian regimes. Applebaum argues that these elites, driven by personal grievances, career aspirations, or cultural despair, have betrayed their role as defenders of truth. Instead, they have become enablers of corruption and authoritarianism.
Among the prominent clercs Applebaum profiles are figures like Simon Heffer in the United Kingdom, Laura Ingraham in the United States, and Mária Schmidt in Hungary. These individuals, once proponents of democratic values, have shifted their allegiances to support leaders who undermine democratic institutions. Applebaum suggests that their motivation is not rooted in economic distress or fear but in a desire for power and influence.
The Allure of Authoritarianism
Applebaum’s exploration goes beyond the elites and examines why ordinary people are drawn to authoritarianism. She attributes this shift to an “authoritarian personality” prevalent in many, particularly in post-Communist Europe. In nations like Poland and Hungary, citizens who once fought against Communist regimes now find themselves disillusioned by democracy’s inability to meet their expectations. This disillusionment has made them susceptible to the “medium-sized lies” and conspiracy theories propagated by right-wing populists.
In countries like Poland and Hungary, Applebaum describes how “soft dictatorships” have emerged under leaders like Viktor Orbán and the Law and Justice Party. These regimes use harsh rhetoric to distract from authoritarian actions and political corruption, gradually eroding democratic norms while maintaining a veneer of legitimacy.
A Global Crisis: In the United States and the United Kingdom, right-wing populism has similarly taken root
The issues Applebaum identifies are not confined to Eastern Europe. In the United States and the United Kingdom, right-wing populism has similarly taken root, threatening the foundations of democracy. Applebaum draws parallels between these nations and warns that the global rise of authoritarianism could mark the twilight of democracy as we know it.
Twilight of Democracy has been met with both praise and critique. Some, like journalist Bill Keller of The New York Times, view the book as a timely continuation of discussions on democratic decline, comparing it to works like How Democracies Die and Surviving Autocracy. Others, like Hungarian historian Ferenc Laczó, argue that Applebaum fails to examine how the policies of her own political camp may have contributed to the rise of authoritarianism.
Despite these criticisms, Twilight of Democracy remains an urgent and essential read for those seeking to understand the forces driving the global shift toward authoritarianism.
In a world where democratic ideals are increasingly under siege, Twilight of Democracy offers a sobering look at the intellectual and cultural forces that are enabling the rise of authoritarianism. Applebaum’s analysis serves as both a warning and a call to action: the future of democracy is not guaranteed, and it is up to us to defend it against the seductive lure of authoritarianism.