Populism and Democratic Backsliding

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Populism and Democratic Backsliding
Democratic backsliding is the process by which a country that is formally democratic begins to move away from its democratic institutions and norms (Cianetti and Hanley 66). This can take many different forms, such as the erosion of checks and balances, the suppression of opposition voices, or the manipulation of electoral processes. Democratic backsliding can occur gradually, over a period, and may be difficult to detect until it is well underway (Haggard and Kaufman 28). With time, the Post-war liberal order is slowly crumbling with data showing that countries in the European Union have lost significant strides in the pursuit of democratic ideals. Sitter and Bakke reckon that the democracy level in the EU has fallen to what they were in 1978 (9). Traditionally considered a bastion of democracy, many countries in Central and Eastern Europe have experienced significant erosion of democracy with Poland experiencing the most dramatic case of democratic backsliding between 2015 and 2016 (Milada 318). Ultimately, the examination of populism as a key catalyst for democratic backsliding can facilitate the adoption of measures to reverse the trend in some members states of the European Union
Background Information
It is essential to explore the importance of addressing democratic backsliding. First, democratic backsliding as a process threatens individual rights and freedoms. Democratic institutions and processes are designed to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals. If democratic backsliding occurs and these institutions and processes are weakened, the rights and freedoms of individuals may be threatened. Second, it is essential to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or group. If democratic backsliding occurs and democratic institutions and processes designed to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or group are weakened, a single person or group can gain the ability to make decisions that impact the entire country, without being held accountable by the public or by other branches of government.
Third, it is essential to prevent democratic backsliding in a country to promote political stability and avoid conflict. Democracies have institutions and processes that promote political stability and prevent conflicts between different groups within society. With democratic backsliding, political instability and conflicts increase as it becomes challenging to unite different groups in a country. Fourth, democratic institutions and processes are instrumental to the economic growth and development of a country. If these institutions and processes are weakened, the economy may suffer and economic growth may decline. As such, there is a need to address democratic backsliding.
Populism and democratic backsliding are increasingly becoming interlinked as populist politicians may use their power and popularity to undermine democratic institutions and processes. Populism is a political ideology that holds that the needs and will of the people should be the primary concern of the government. Populist politicians often gain power by appealing to the public's emotions ...