Democracy Erodes from the Top

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A surge in support for right-wing populist parties has raised alarms about the state of liberal democracy in Europe, prompting fears of a crisis reminiscent of the 1930s. However, this book reveals that the true crisis originates from political leaders who exploit or mishandle the inherent vulnerabilities of democracy, rather than from a populist public. The author dismantles the myth of a populist wave in contemporary European sentiment, showing that while populist feelings exist, trust in politicians and parliaments remains stable compared to two decades ago. Enthusiasm for European integration and satisfaction with democratic processes have not diminished, and anti-immigrant sentiment has actually declined. The modest rise in electoral support for right-wing populist parties can be attributed to the unique successes of populist figures, failures of mainstream parties, and sensational media coverage. Notably, instances of democratic backsliding in Hungary and Poland stem not from voter desire for authoritarianism, but from conventional conservative parties consolidating power once in office. By challenging traditional bottom-up interpretations of the political crisis, this work reshapes our understanding of democratic politics in Europe.