The Rise of Antipolitics: A Global Phenomenon
In the past, being in power, or close to it, has always been an advantage for candidates seeking votes. However, in 2024, something unprecedented happened. The ruling party saw a decline in its percentage of votes in all elections held in developed countries around the world.
The Antipolitics Movement
- This shift is not just a pendulum swing between left and right ideologies, as seen in democratic societies. It represents a deeper change, where more and more voters are supporting parties that are far removed from the fundamental consensus that underpins democratic stability.
- These voters are gravitating towards extremes, not necessarily based on ideology, but on a visceral rejection of anyone who has held, or currently holds, power.
- This phenomenon is known as antipolitics – a widespread disdain not for a specific party or leader, but for the political system as a whole.
A Global Pandemic of Political Extremism
This global phenomenon of antipolitics is akin to a political pandemic. In Europe, the far-right has risen to prominence in countries like Austria, France, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. Anti-establishment figures have taken power in Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador, and Mexico.
Ethonationalism has also permeated countries like Israel, India, and Turkey, undermining democratic institutions. Even Canada is on the brink of electing a right-wing populist as prime minister.
The Influence of the Digital Age
American analyst Martin Gurri predicted this trend in his 2014 book, ‘The Revolt of the Public.’ He foresaw that the internet would destabilize Western democracies by amplifying existing societal discontent. The result would be a profound crisis of authority, fueled by a public sphere where everyone is constantly angry at the government, and the more extreme the outsider’s rhetoric, the more it resonates with voters.
Gurri argues that people haven’t suddenly become angry at their leaders; rather, digital technologies amplify preexisting frustrations and exacerbate conflicts. The traditional information hierarchy controlled by elites is crumbling, giving rise to a new era of public discourse.
The Challenge of Veto Power
In many democracies, growing voter expectations outpace the state’s ability to meet them. This leads to what Francis Fukuyama termed ‘vetocracies,’ where powerful actors can block their rivals’ initiatives, causing political paralysis and widespread dissatisfaction among the populace.
This gridlock in the political arena fuels electoral support for candidates who vehemently oppose the status quo. In a world where dissenters have a platform, voters shift blindly from one extreme to another, driven solely by the imperative to oppose the ruling elite.
Reimagining Democracy for the Future
Faced with these challenges, the solution is not to abandon democracy but to adapt it. Institutions must evolve to be more transparent, competent, and participatory, bridging the gap between rulers and the ruled.
- Initiatives like participatory budgets, local referendums, and citizen assemblies can bring decision-making closer to the people, reducing distrust towards governing bodies.
- Simultaneously, mechanisms of checks and balances must be strengthened to ensure even the most populist leaders uphold democratic principles.
The discontent may not dissipate, but it can be channeled towards more effective governance. It won’t be easy, but it is essential to try.
Conclusion
The global rise of antipolitics represents a fundamental shift in democratic societies, fueled by digital disruption, growing voter expectations, and the rise of extreme ideologies. To navigate this new political landscape, institutions must adapt to be more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to citizen needs. Only by embracing change and fostering a renewed sense of trust can democracies thrive in the face of evolving challenges.
FAQs
What is antipolitics?
Antipolitics is a phenomenon where voters reject the political system as a whole, gravitating towards extreme ideologies and anti-establishment figures.
How can democracies address the rise of antipolitics?
Democracies can adapt by promoting transparency, participatory decision-making, and strengthening checks and balances to ensure the upholding of democratic principles even in the face of populist challenges.