Reviving Democracy in a Polarized World

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh

Democracy seems to be under siege across the world where we are witnessing the rise of anti-democratic forces that threaten to undermine the values and institutions that sustain our democratic systems. These forces exploit the discontent and frustration of many citizens, who feel left behind by globalization, ignored by the elites, and insecure about their future. They offer simplistic and populist solutions that appeal to fear, hatred, and nationalism that attack the media, the judiciary and the opposition, eroding the checks and balances that safeguard democracy. They also have suspicious ties with authoritarian regimes that seek to destabilize and weaken the democratic world.

Some argue that we need to use legal measures, such as bans or disqualifications, to stop anti-democratic candidates or parties from participating in elections or holding office. They claim that this is the only way to protect democracy from those who seek to destroy it from within, pointing to examples from Germany, where the Constitutional Court has banned several neo-Nazi and communist parties. Another example is in the US where many have called for Trump to be excluded from running in the presidential race after being criminally indicted four times, where he will have to attend series of trials in 2024 as he tries to run again for the White House.
However, others warn that using legal measures to prevent anti-democratic politicians from gaining power or influence is a serious and risky step that should only be taken as a last resort, when there is clear evidence of repeated and intentional violations of the constitution and democratic principles. Such measures could also backfire, by giving more publicity, sympathy, and legitimacy to the far right, and by alienating their supporters and increasing polarization with the best approach being to counter them politically.

I believe that using legal measures to ban or disqualify anti-democratic politicians is a dangerous and counterproductive strategy that could do more harm than good to our democracy. The best way to reinvent democracy in the face of far-right threats is to encourage active participation of all members of society, especially the youth, in democratic processes and institutions. Democratic governments should be free and transparent, and not be compromised or influenced by any one group. They should  encourage participation through free and fair elections, and should encourage dialogue through open and public forums, to promote engagement and accountability. In light of increased polarization and  hardening of extremist ideas in the political sphere internationally, we need to build democratic institutions that are flexible and adaptable that can respond quickly and effectively to changing circumstances and challenges. They must promote the rights of all citizens, regardless of their background, identity, or opinion, and ensure that they are respected and protected as democracy is the best system to guarantee the dignity and equality of all people.

Democracy is not only just a national issue but also a global one, where nations must cooperate and collaborate with each other to advance common interests and values. Globalization and multilateralism have brought much prosperity and has helped to improve humanity, therefore nations should resist the temptation to retreat from the world and turn inward which will stir suspicion and greater xenophobia. 

If we fail to take action, we will have failed our citizens and the very basis for which democracy was established, which is to serve people in the best way possible. Democracy provides for cooperation and collaboration, which in turn fosters peace and stability; qualities that we all seek, particularly in the difficult times in which we are currently passing through.