Democracy: a Chimera? Or the epistemological paradox

Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, in their book "How Democracies Die," discuss how democracies can gradually turn into authoritarian regimes through internal erosion rather than outright coups. They identify key warning signs, including the rejection of democratic rules and intolerance towards political opponents. The authors raise the question of why democratic societies allow this erosion to occur, suggesting that it relates to an intrinsic difficulty within democracy regarding its relationship with truth. The authors argue that the coexistence of divergent opinions can lead to political fragmentation when shared references and trust in institutions deteriorate. This crisis of knowledge transforms into a crisis of authority, where political discourse shifts from discussing solutions to viewing opponents as threats. The appeal of authoritarianism arises from the promise of security and certainty, leading citizens to prioritize safety over freedom. Ultimately, democracy must…