Fact Check: Democracy can face existential threats during times of crisis.

Fact Check: "Democracy can face existential threats during times of crisis."

What We Know

The assertion that "democracy can face existential threats during times of crisis" is supported by a variety of scholarly analyses and reports. For instance, Benjamin M. Studebaker discusses the concept of legitimacy crises in democracies, emphasizing that such crises can manifest as chronic issues rather than acute threats, which can lead to significant challenges for democratic governance (Studebaker, 2022). The article suggests that during crises, democratic procedures may be contested, raising concerns about the survival and integrity of democratic systems.

Moreover, a report from Brookings highlights that the geopolitical landscape has changed significantly since the 2008 financial crisis, with powerful democracies experiencing political turmoil and setbacks in their liberal qualities (Brookings, 2019). This dynamic indicates that crises can indeed pose existential threats to democracy as they may lead to the erosion of democratic norms and institutions.

Additionally, a New York Times article discusses the rise of authoritarian sentiment and the acceptance of such governance among voters, which further illustrates how crises can create fertile ground for anti-democratic movements (New York Times, 2022). These sources collectively underscore the notion that crises—whether economic, political, or social—can jeopardize the stability and legitimacy of democratic systems.

Analysis

The claim that democracy faces existential threats during crises is well-supported by the literature. Studebaker's analysis of legitimacy crises provides a nuanced understanding of how democracies can be threatened not just by immediate, acute crises but also by chronic issues that undermine public trust and engagement (Studebaker, 2022). This perspective aligns with the views of theorists like Andrew Gamble, who differentiate between situational and structural crises, suggesting that the latter can lead to ongoing challenges for democratic governance without necessarily resulting in outright collapse.

The Brookings report further emphasizes that the competition between democratic and authoritarian regimes has intensified, particularly in the wake of global crises, which can destabilize established democratic norms (Brookings, 2019). This context is crucial as it highlights the broader geopolitical implications of domestic crises, suggesting that the health of democracy is not only a national concern but also an international one.

However, it is important to note that while the sources provide a compelling argument for the existence of existential threats to democracy during crises, the interpretation of these threats can vary. Some scholars argue that not all crises lead to existential threats; rather, they may result in temporary disruptions or shifts in governance without fundamentally undermining democratic structures (Washington Post, 2023). This indicates a need for careful consideration of the specific circumstances surrounding each crisis.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "democracy can face existential threats during times of crisis" is True. The evidence from multiple scholarly sources indicates that crises can indeed pose significant challenges to democratic governance, potentially leading to legitimacy crises and the rise of authoritarian sentiments. While the nature and severity of these threats can vary, the overarching consensus is that crises can jeopardize the stability and integrity of democratic systems.

Sources

1. Legitimacy crises in embedded democracies - PMC
2. Democracy & Disorder: The struggle for influence in ...
3. 'A Crisis Coming': The Twin Threats to American Democracy
4. Opinion | Overuse of 'existential threat' is a crisis ...
5. What are the Biggest Threats to Democracy in the United States Today ...
6. How to mitigate these five threats to democracy
7. Democratic Transformation in the Era of Crisis