PDF Summary:Twilight of Democracy, by Anne Applebaum

In Twilight of Democracy, Anne Applebaum explores the decline of democratic values and its profound impact on society and personal relationships. She examines the tactics employed by authoritarian movements, such as placing loyalists in key positions, controlling media, and spreading disinformation, to consolidate power and erode democratic institutions.

Applebaum also delves into societal factors that contribute to the rise of authoritarianism, including nostalgia for idealized pasts, anxiety over cultural shifts, and the role of social media in reinforcing divisions. Drawing historical parallels, she argues that preserving democracy requires constant vigilance and active commitment from individuals and organizations.

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Applebaum draws on Svetlana Boym's concepts, distinguishing between a melancholic longing for the past and a vigorous nostalgia that seeks to rebuild a glorified historical period. Applebaum observes a powerful nostalgia for a time marked by clear national identity, consistent cultural norms, and an apparently less complex international scene as a key factor propelling authoritarian tendencies.

Communities facing rapid societal and economic transformations due to globalization often experience a strong yearning for bygone times. In Western Europe, numerous individuals feel alienated and detached as the traditional frameworks of society, their sense of self, and established systems evolve in ways beyond their control. A desire for a bygone era that appeared simpler and more consistent makes them susceptible to the charm of authoritarian leaders who promise to restore a sense of unity and cultural uniformity.

These groups often experience a deep-seated discomfort that originates from a longing for bygone times and perceive the rapid changes in population composition and societal norms, such as immigration and the transformation of traditional gender roles and family dynamics, as significant threats to their national identity.

Frequently, this yearning for bygone times is deeply connected with significant concerns regarding cultural shifts. Immigration, multiculturalism, LGBTQ issues, and the advancement of women's equality are frequently seen as undermining a conventional lifestyle, diminishing deep-rooted cultural standards and beliefs. This anxiety fuels a sense of embattlement and vulnerability, making individuals more receptive to narratives that demonize "outsiders" and offer simplistic solutions to complex problems.

Applebaum demonstrates how a mix of nostalgia and discomfort has deepened political rifts, allowing authoritarian groups to rally their adherents by positioning them in opposition to individuals labeled as "foreigners" or "elites," while also undermining proponents of democracy.

Applebaum suggests that movements with a tendency towards authoritarianism exploit fear and resentment to deepen societal rifts and degrade the caliber of democratic discourse, significantly contributing to the escalation of political polarization. These groups create a divisive atmosphere where political dialogue is framed as a battle between 'the people' and a detached, corrupt 'elite,' making the prospects for rational conversation and mutual concessions impossible.

They often use baseless conjecture and intentional disinformation to exacerbate social rifts, portraying their opponents as enemies of the state, in collusion with foreign bodies, or as secret operatives set on eroding traditional values and the heritage that defines the nation's character. Any critique of the movement is seen as an attack on the true people, which in turn strengthens their loyalty and justifies the embrace of increasingly authoritarian measures.

Other Perspectives

• Nostalgia can be a positive force, fostering community bonds and shared values rather than solely driving support for authoritarianism.
• Some argue that the rise of authoritarian leaders is not just due to exploitation of fears but also due to failures of current democratic systems to address people's needs.
• The support for authoritarian leaders in Europe might not only stem from a desire to restore past values but also from contemporary concerns about governance, economic stability, and security.
• Longing for the past can be multifaceted and not always linked to authoritarian tendencies; it can also inspire positive social action and preservation of valuable cultural heritage.
• Globalization's effects are complex, and while some may yearn for simpler times, others embrace the new opportunities and diversity it brings.
• The perception of cultural shifts as threats can be countered by the argument that societies have always evolved, and such changes are natural and can be beneficial.
• The view that immigration and changes in gender roles are detrimental to society is not universally held; many argue these changes enrich cultures and promote social progress.
• Authoritarian movements are not the only political groups that can exploit fear and resentment; this tactic can be used across the political spectrum.
• Political polarization is a multifaceted issue that can't solely be attributed to authoritarian groups; other social, economic, and political factors also play a role.
• Disinformation and baseless conjecture are not exclusive to authoritarian groups; they are problems that can arise in any political context.
• The portrayal of critiques as attacks on the people can occur in any political movement, not just authoritarian ones, and is a broader issue related to political discourse and media representation.

The impact that media and technology have on democratic procedures.

The integrity of the public sphere has diminished, as social media platforms have emerged, significantly undermining the caliber of democratic discourse and reinforcing authoritarian inclinations.

The rapid advancements in media and technology during the 21st century have, Applebaum argues, markedly bolstered autocratic inclinations, fueled in part by a yearning for bygone times and unease with changes in culture. The waning power of traditional media, along with the rise of social media networks, and the fragmentation of a cohesive public sphere, have created an environment particularly vulnerable to exploitation by authoritarian groups.

The decline of traditional media and the emergence of partial, unreliable online outlets have complicated the process for people to discern truth from fiction, allowing authoritarian leaders to exploit the widespread unfounded speculative narratives.

Esteemed media organizations, once considered bastions of journalistic integrity and truthfulness, have seen their decline lead to the rise of numerous online platforms that are biased and lack credibility. The erosion of conventional arbiters of information has rendered it challenging for the public to discern authentic news from concocted stories, deliberate misinformation, and blatant falsehoods.

The proliferation of misleading narratives, which offer simplistic and emotionally satisfying explanations for complex occurrences, has been fueled by the dissemination of incorrect information. People are drawn to conspiracy theories because they offer a sense of understanding and control in a world that appears chaotic and unpredictable. Groups have skillfully crafted narratives to weaken their opponents, diminish trust in democratic institutions, and justify their own quests for power.

Social media algorithms amplify users' pre-existing views and diminish the significance of factual data, which fosters the formation of separate ideological factions.

Applebaum emphasizes that the difficulties have escalated due to the design of algorithms aimed at boosting user engagement across numerous digital platforms. Social media algorithms often promote content that resonates with users' existing beliefs and biases, resulting in environments where people are repeatedly exposed to information that reinforces their initial viewpoints.

This results in a strengthening of pre-existing biases and a reduced ability to think critically and sympathize with individuals who possess contrasting opinions. As people grow more isolated within their respective ideological spheres, the foundation for mutual understanding and commonality weakens, which in turn intensifies political divisions and hampers the prospects for meaningful conversation and reaching agreements.

Applebaum examines how authoritarian movements have exploited these technological and media changes to bypass traditional gatekeepers, reach large audiences directly, and construct alternative realities that resonate with their supporters.

Applebaum posits that shifts in technology and media have played a substantial role in the emergence of authoritarian movements. These factions have skillfully traversed the modern media terrain, bypassing traditional gatekeepers of news to directly share their stories with specific audiences, thus shaping alternative realities that resonate with individuals predisposed to their rhetoric.

Authoritarian movements utilize sophisticated online strategies, including targeted advertising and social media manipulation, in conjunction with a network of false news platforms and bots, to shape public perception, bypass traditional media scrutiny, and build a loyal following bound by loyalty to their leaders and a shared distrust and animosity toward established institutions.

Context

• Authoritarian movements exploit media and technology by using targeted advertising, social media manipulation, and false news platforms to shape public opinion. They bypass traditional gatekeepers of news to directly reach specific audiences, creating alternative realities that resonate with their supporters. By leveraging algorithms that amplify existing biases, they reinforce their narratives and weaken trust in established institutions. These movements build a loyal following by fostering distrust and animosity toward mainstream sources and promoting loyalty to their leaders.
• Social media algorithms are automated processes that determine what content users see on their feeds based on their past behavior and preferences. These algorithms aim to increase user engagement by showing content that aligns with users' interests, beliefs, and interactions. This can lead to the reinforcement of existing viewpoints and the formation of echo chambers where users are exposed to information that confirms their existing opinions. As a result, social media algorithms can contribute to the polarization of society by limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
• Crafting and disseminating misleading narratives involves creating stories that simplify complex events, appeal to emotions, and offer a sense of control. These narratives are strategically designed to weaken opponents, sow distrust in institutions, and justify power grabs. They are spread through various channels, including social media, online platforms, and targeted messaging, to reach and influence specific audiences effectively. Techniques like misinformation, conspiracy theories, and emotional manipulation are often used to make these narratives compelling and persuasive.

Historical insights into the resistance against democratic principles.

Applebaum situates the struggles confronting contemporary democracies within a broader historical context, associating the current democratic backsliding with past eras characterized by widespread cultural despondency and the temptation of autocratic governance.

Applebaum situates the contemporary trend toward authoritarianism in a broader historical context, showing that these tendencies have roots in the past and are not unique to our time. She illustrates how the present situation echoes previous periods marked by cultural pessimism and political unrest, demonstrating the recurring nature of certain social, psychological, and political dynamics that have consistently put democratic principles to the test.

She explores the work of individuals like the 19th-century art connoisseur from Germany, Julius Langbehn, and the French author of the 20th century, Julien Benda, who foresaw a renewed yearning for bygone times along with a trend of intellectuals forsaking democratic ideals.

Applebaum introduces figures like the 19th-century German art connoisseur Julius Langbehn, who yearned for a romanticized version of bygone eras and overlooked the complex and challenging aspects of modern life. "Rembrandt as Educator" extolled a past era marked by resolute leadership and a cohesive cultural identity, resonating with Germans who were grappling with rapid societal and economic transformations at the time.

Applebaum explores how, after World War I, intellectuals, writers, and artists—referred to as "clerics" by Benda—abandoned their commitment to truth and rational thought, opting to support various political causes and a surge in national pride, which echoes the points Benda made in his 1927 work "The Betrayal of the Intellectuals." Their rationalization of violence as a means to fulfill political goals, Benda argued, contributed to shaping an unstable political climate which gave rise to totalitarian movements.

Applebaum explores historical political conflicts, such as the contentious episode in late 19th-century France that exposed deep divisions within society and foreshadowed the emergence of groups determined to undermine democratic institutions.

Applebaum explores a late 19th-century political scandal in France that revealed deep rifts in French society, especially in relation to how the nation viewed itself, the influence of anti-Jewish prejudices, and the aims of its rulers. The controversy surrounding a Jewish military officer wrongfully charged with treason caused a division within society, where one group pushed for fairness and legal integrity, whereas the other stressed national unity, willing to forego individual freedoms for what they believed was the greater good.

Applebaum suggests that the Dreyfus affair established the foundation for the myriad ideological disputes and political schisms that characterized the 20th century. The willingness of Dreyfus's adversaries to embrace baseless conspiracies, reject logical evidence, and demonize individuals deemed as "foreigners" mirrors tactics employed by contemporary autocratic organizations.

Applebaum's work emphasizes the need for continuous dedication to strengthening and supporting the foundational elements and structures that sustain democratic governance, placing recent disturbances in a wider historical narrative that highlights the consistent rise of authoritarian tendencies.

Applebaum draws on historical comparisons to illustrate how the temptation of authoritarian rule often reemerges, not as a historical aberration, but as a persistent temptation that gains prominence when democratic systems fail to fulfill their pledges or when societies face substantial uncertainty, fear, or feelings of decline. She argues that understanding the consistent historical patterns and the enduring temptation of autocratic rule is essential to grasp today's challenges and to devise strategies to resist its enticement.

Other Perspectives

• Historical context is complex, and while there are patterns, each era has unique circumstances that may not be directly comparable to past events.
• The role of intellectuals in society and their relationship to democracy can be multifaceted, and not all intellectuals who critiqued democracy or embraced nationalism contributed to totalitarian movements.
• The interpretation of historical events like the Dreyfus affair can vary, and some might argue that it had different or additional consequences beyond what is described.
• The idea that democratic backsliding is a recurring historical trend could be challenged by pointing out successful periods of democratic consolidation and expansion.
• The assertion that authoritarian tendencies rise when democracies fail to deliver could be countered by highlighting instances where democracies have been resilient in the face of challenges.
• The focus on strengthening democratic foundations as a solution to authoritarianism might be critiqued for not sufficiently addressing the root causes of democratic dissatisfaction.
• Some may argue that the allure of authoritarian rule is not just a response to democratic failure but also a product of cultural, economic, or ideological factors that require separate analysis and response.

Democratic progress is inherently cyclical.

Applebaum acknowledges that democracies often go through periods of progress in their democratic practices, only to face challenges and a reemergence of authoritarian tendencies.

Throughout the book, Applebaum emphasizes that democratic progress is not linear or inevitable. Anne Applebaum argues that the path of history is characterized by a cyclical pattern of progress and regression, noting that eras of increased democracy often give way to times of its erosion, and she underscores the perpetual struggle to uphold the tenets and values of democracy, a struggle that demands constant vigilance and active participation from people and organizations alike.

She illustrates the rapid evolution of political alliances by examining the shifting allegiances among French supporters of Dreyfus, thereby questioning the assumed stability of democratic institutions.

Applebaum explores a pivotal moment in French historical records, underscoring the persistent trends in the development of politics by discussing the circumstances involving Alfred Dreyfus. The triumph of Dreyfus's advocates was fleeting. At the turn of the 20th century, France saw a resurgence of animosity towards the Dreyfusard movement, with the emergence of a new group advocating for a dictatorial approach and rejecting the ideals that had once exonerated Dreyfus. The alarming speed at which democratic advancements can be undone, demonstrating how quickly societies can fall into authoritarian rule, underscored the rapid descent into fascism.

Applebaum suggests that although democracy is currently encountering significant challenges, these are not unprecedented, and maintaining democratic values requires unwavering commitment and effort from individuals as well as collective entities.

While Applebaum recognizes the concerning elements of today's situation, she does not consider it to be a completely unprecedented crisis. She emphasizes the importance of constantly nurturing, revitalizing, and safeguarding democracy, highlighting its nature as an ever-evolving process rather than a static state. Democracy currently faces challenges that, although amplified by modern technologies and social trends, echo past times of political instability and widespread societal despair. Understanding historical trends is crucial for making sense of current events and for planning how to protect the principles of democracy going forward.

Applebaum maintains a cautiously optimistic view regarding the capacity of democracies to renew themselves and adapt to evolving circumstances, a belief strengthened by her witnessing a diverse and globally connected younger generation at her event in Poland.

Applebaum concludes her analysis with a somber tone, yet she offers a sliver of cautious optimism. She describes a meeting in Poland where a diverse group of young people seemed comfortable navigating a complex, international setting, seemingly less susceptible to the seductive uncertainties and easy answers offered by authoritarian factions.

Applebaum suggests that the resilience of democratic institutions, now challenged by divisive and disheartening influences, could be bolstered by the promise held by the emerging youth. Their willingness to embrace diverse viewpoints, comfort with different cultural heritages, and adeptness in managing complex international issues offer a glimmer of hope for safeguarding and revitalizing the values that support democratic systems, which will advantage future generations.

Other Perspectives

• Democracies may not be as cyclical as suggested; some argue that there is a general trend towards more inclusive and participatory governance over time, despite setbacks.
• The idea that democratic progress is not linear or inevitable could be challenged by the argument that certain principles, once established, become foundational and less susceptible to regression.
• The notion that upholding democratic values requires constant vigilance might be countered by the argument that strong institutions can safeguard democracy even when public engagement wanes.
• The view that political alliances are rapidly evolving could be met with the perspective that some democratic institutions have remained stable and resilient over time.
• The assertion that the rapid undoing of democratic advancements can lead to authoritarian rule might be challenged by examples where democracies have faced significant challenges yet have not regressed into authoritarianism.
• The claim that current challenges to democracy are not unprecedented could be countered by pointing out unique contemporary challenges, such as digital misinformation, that have no historical precedent.
• The belief in the capacity of democracies to renew and adapt might be criticized by those who argue that some democracies are failing to adapt to new challenges effectively.
• The optimism placed in younger generations could be met with skepticism based on instances where youth movements have not translated into lasting democratic renewal.