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The Enemy Within
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The Enemy Within

Are Modern European Democracies Afraid of Introspection?

Corina Stratulat
EPC, 2016
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

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Recommendation

In Western democracies, populist leaders and demagogues are latching onto citizens’ economic and societal angst. In a recent European Policy Center evaluation of the situation, senior policy analyst Corina Stratulat examines how societies can avoid the “slippery slope to democratic subversion” by understanding the root causes of the people’s frustration and then “taking a good look in the mirror.” While always politically neutral, getAbstract recommends this briefing to politicians and policy wonks interested in current trends.

Summary

At a time when EU citizens say they’re increasingly fearful of immigrants and insecure about the economy as well as the growing gap between rich and poor, European democracies must cling to their “polities’ liberal core.” Worldwide, democracies have thrived through wars and economic downturns because “they underwent extraordinary changes in terms of institutions, ideas and scope.” Today it’s time to do the same. But to push back against the populist swing, leaders must assess the current situation, forecast potential implications and ...

About the Author

Corina Stratulat is a senior policy analyst with the European Policy Center, an independent think tank that works to foster European integration through analysis and debate.

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