Progressive-left security and conservative-right distance - How democracy can save itself from populism

Abstract

Democracy is under threat in many countries, particularly from illiberal and right-wing populist parties. This does not reveal a social trend towards conservatism and right-wing to far-right positions among the population, as moral and social attitudes are generally becoming increasingly liberalised. The shift to the right is primarily taking place within the political system, where right-wing conservative and illiberal parties are recognising insecurities among the population and taking up certain trigger topics (e.g. migration, climate, gender and identity issues) in order to increase their share of the vote. To put it in economic terms: The shift to the right does not follow a demand from the voting population, but follows a supply by political parties. Political systems can therefore react accordingly and counter populist positions appropriately. Progressive-left parties can do this by ensuring that the issues and positions they launch do not exacerbate social insecurities, while conservative-right parties can do this by maintaining a clear distance from illiberal positions in terms of content and rhetoric.