We live in a time where democracy can no longer be taken for granted. In a previous text, I described the sense of anxiety that has slowly emerged, regarding a world where disinformation and polarization are gaining increasing ground. However, today, it is no longer enough to simply talk about defending democracy. We must also ask ourselves how we can build resilient democracies. What is required from us as individuals and citizens in order for democracy to withstand the threats it currently faces?
What is a Resilient Democracy?
A resilient democracy is not characterized by the absence of adversity and crises, but rather its ability to handle and recover from these, without losing its core democratic principles. Practically speaking, this means strong institutions capable of withstanding both internal and external threats, as well as a civil society that upholds democratic principles.
What Builds Democratic Resilience?
Research shows that certain factors can strengthen the resilience of democracy:
– Strong, independent institutions
– Education and media literacy
– Civic engagement
– Justice and equality
Research from Freedom House (2023) describes how societies where people have trust in one another and in societal institutions are better equipped to withstand authoritarian forces.
What Can You and I Do?
However, democratic resilience is not solely about large systems, societal structures, and institutions. It is also about us! We can contribute to building democratic resilience by:
– Being critical of sources
– Being willing to speak, but also willing to listen
– Engaging ourselves
Engagement does not necessarily mean becoming a politician or standing at the front of a protest every weekend. It can be as simple as voting in every election, attending open meetings in your community, or raising important issues in everyday conversations – at home, with friends, or at work. It can also involve supporting an organization you believe in. For me, engagement includes being active in Aikkya, an organization that works for democratic participation and human rights. Through my involvement here, I am also contributing to strengthening democracy.
It is crucial that we do not take our democracy for granted. A society where people engage in various ways and contexts is simply stronger in the face of authoritarian forces. Whether engagement is large or small, it contributes to us collectively shaping society, rather than merely observing it from the sidelines.
Elvira Jansson
Writer, Unity Gazette
Aikkiya – Voices for Peaceful Diversity
References
Gorokhovskaia, Y., Shabaz, A., & Slipowitz, A. (2023). Freedom int the world 2023. Hämtat från https://freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/FIW_World_2023_DigtalPDF.pdf
Shein, E., Emmons, D., Lemargie, K., & Buril, F. (2023). Paths to Democratic Resilience in an Era of Backsliding. Hämtat från https://www.ifes.org/publications/paths-democratic-resilience-era-backsliding
