How to save democracy?

During the Freedom Games there was a discussion between Anna Materska-Sosnowska – doctor of the University of Warsaw at the Institute of Political Sciences, Aleksander Smolar – chairman of the board of the Stefan Batoru  Foudation and Marcin Król – Professor of the University of Warsaw, Polish historian and philosopher.

The pretext for the conversation was the book “How Democracies Die” by two Professors of Harvard University: Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt. The book is an analysis of the collapse of democracy in various countries, where the beginning of the disease, its course and the irreversible disappearance of democracy are described point by point. Many countries are experiencing a crisis of democracy, but only 7% manage to deal with it succesfully. The interviewees mentioned that our country appears in the book only twice, but the discussion was based primarily on the current situation in Europe and in Poland. The book is rich in facts, examples and analysis. This applies to the phenomenon of populism. The collapse of democracy can take various forms: a coup, a rebellion, a revolution and what we are dealing with, the authorities elected in the democratic process are carrying out an internal coup. The authorities are using their advantage to limit democracy.

The first speaker was Professor Marcin Król, who said that the book perfectly describes the current state of affairs, but it is a terrible source of diagnosis that makes the difficult situation of many developed countries aware. As a starting point, the book reveals more and more numerous divisions between people and elites. As the Professor says: “The public has always expected that the elite will solve existential problems. Such action leads to the discharge of responsibility. However, we must not forget that sometimes the authorities may not know how to solve problems. ”

Co-operation and willingness to engage in dialogue are needed as well as respect for the political opponent. Professor Król emphasizes that democracy in Europe has never been good. Nowadays, we live in a certain illusion that gives a sense of the existence of a liberal state. Nobody thinks that a change is needed. However, when we realize this need, it may be too late for reversible changes.

Anna Materska-Sosnowska gave slightly different observations than professor Król. She stressed, however, that this is due to the range of interests she deals with on a daily basis. The political thinker thinks that what can stop institutional democracy is a well-functioning self-government. A great example is the reference to the last elections, which showed that the regime’s virus can be changed. This was also confirmed by Król, who said that the state was completely exhausted in many respects. We should gradually take some tasks from the state. As a research worker, he appealed to higher education reforms. The state should not deal with issues that it does not know. The state should give freedom and, above all, means of subsistence.

The conversation ended with a question about the prescription for saving democracy. Professor Król emphasized that we decided to rule ourselves. This is the largest phenomenon of democracy. All the rest is secondary. If we forget about it, the whole idea will lose its meaning. There is also a definition of the modern state. Doctor Anna Materska-Sosnowska said: “Human life in the state is a short period, but it should be taken in a broader perspective and look for ideas for good changes. We should not say that the state has failed, because the state is us and we shape them, not only the authorities. ” In turn, Aleksander Smolar decided that he could not give a prescription. It consists of many things that do not depend on us: “These are global, ecological and continental factors, the crisis in Europe in a different sense. Also the fear of immigration, the war in the east, all these elements affect us. Stabilizing some of them may stabilize the situation. ” it should be remembered that most of the factors lie in the hands of Poles and we have an impact on how the democracy will shape

Paulina Małota