Democracy in Crisis? Steven Bartlett Highlights Historian Anne Applebaum’s Warnings

In a recent LinkedIn post, Steven Bartlett discusses alarming parallels between the decline of democracies abroad and potential warning signs emerging within Western societies. Bartlett highlights his recent podcast interview with historian Anne Applebaum, who has dedicated decades to studying the erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarianism.

Bartlett introduces the gravity of the situation by referencing a stark statistic shared in his post: “84% of Americans believe US democracy is in crisis or facing a serious challenge.” This figure, he explains, prompted his conversation with Applebaum, an expert on Russia, propaganda, and the psychology of power.

“What surprised me most is that she believes many of the warning signs she once studied abroad are now appearing inside Western democracies – could this be something that she’s never seen before? 😳 “

The Erosion of Trust and Democratic Norms

Steven Bartlett emphasizes Applebaum’s core argument that the foundation of democracy rests on a shared belief in the fairness of the system and a commitment to its rules, even when they benefit political opponents. According to Bartlett, Applebaum posits that the collapse of trust in institutions is a critical precursor to democratic weakening.

As Steven Bartlett relays Applebaum’s insights, a key takeaway from their discussion is the fragility of democratic principles. Bartlett quotes Applebaum through his own summary:

“One thing Anne said that really stayed with me was that democracy requires people to preserve the rules even when those rules allow their opponents to win, and once people stop believing in the fairness of the system, everything changes.”

Bartlett notes that Applebaum’s historical perspective provides a sobering lens through which to view contemporary challenges. He observes that Applebaum’s approach is not emotional but grounded in historical precedent, making her analysis particularly impactful.

Signs of Authoritarian Appeal and Global Distrust

The conversation, as described by Bartlett, delved into several critical areas, including reasons for American anxiety, the stages preceding societal collapse, and the motivations behind powerful individuals ceasing to speak out. Bartlett highlights that Applebaum’s expertise extends to understanding why authoritarian leaders gain traction and why global allies are increasingly skeptical of the United States.

Bartlett recounts his own reaction to some of Applebaum’s points:

“There were several moments in this conversation where I found myself thinking, ‘this sounds impossible’ but then Anne would explain how similar things had already happened before in other countries.”

This sentiment underscores the unsettling nature of Applebaum’s findings, suggesting that historical patterns of democratic decline are not merely theoretical but have tangible, repeatable manifestations. Bartlett concludes his post by suggesting that regardless of one’s agreement with Applebaum’s conclusions, the episode offers a valuable opportunity for critical reflection on the current global landscape.