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When Democracy Weakens: Fragile Political Cultures and Fascistic Drift

What happened: Ethiopia’s political history shows a pattern of democratic language used to mask authoritarian rule. This trend is not unique to Ethiopia and serves as a warning about the fragility of democratic systems worldwide.
Why it matters: Understanding how democratic institutions can erode and be exploited by authoritarian actors is crucial for preserving democratic values and preventing democratic backsliding.
Key details:
• Ethiopia’s political regimes have all used democratic language despite authoritarian practices.
• Weimar Republic’s collapse into Nazism serves as a historical example of democratic erosion.
• Contemporary risks include the rise of far-right parties like the Sweden Democrats and democratic backsliding in countries like the United States and Hungary.
• Democratic fragility can be exacerbated by economic hardship, political polarisation, and misinformation.
• Preserving democracy requires strong institutions, public trust, and a commitment to democratic norms

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