Democracy Paradox Podcast
About the Episode:

This episode features a conversation with political scientist Sheri Berman on why today’s global "democratic recession" was actually predictable. Drawing from her deep historical research, Berman argues that every democratic wave eventually faces an "undertow," especially when the social and economic foundations of stability begin to fail. From the cautionary lessons of Weimar Germany to the modern rise of partisan "bubbles," this episode explores what we have forgotten about democratic stability and what it will take to secure its future.

Full Transcript

Show Notes:

In this episode of Democracy Paradox, host Justin Kempf speaks with Sheri Berman, professor of political science at Barnard College and the author of Democracy and Dictatorship in Europe. They discuss her article, "Democracy's Troubles Should Be No Surprise," which posits that the current global democratic recession was predictable when viewed through a historical lens. Berman argues that because democratic progress historically occurs in waves, an "undertow" of backsliding is a natural expectation that many scholars overlooked due to the optimism of the late 20th century.  

The conversation explores the social and economic foundations necessary for a stable democracy, drawing heavily on the work of scholars like Seymour Martin Lipset. Berman emphasizes that democracy thrives best in "diamond-shaped" societies, where a large middle class and high social mobility prevent the rise of extremism. She notes that when economic development fails to generate these requisite social changes – or when established democracies shift back toward a "pyramid shape" with a small elite and a large, precarious mass – the ground becomes fertile for democratic decay and dissatisfaction with the establishment. 

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the decay of established democracies, particularly the United States, where the decline of "cross-cutting cleavages" has led to intense polarization. Berman draws a provocative parallel to Weimar Germany, noting that while that society had a vibrant civil society, it was fragmented into "partisan bubbles" that contributed to democratic collapse rather than preventing it. She also highlights the role of elite universities in this trend, arguing they have become intellectually homogenous and have often failed to encourage students to engage with diverse or uncomfortable viewpoints.

Looking toward the future, Berman remains cautiously optimistic about a potential "fourth wave" of democratization, primarily because authoritarian and populist alternatives have not yet proven themselves to be superior in terms of ideology or performance. She concludes that while democracy is currently struggling to respond to technological and economic disruptions, it remains the only political system that reflects the inherent value of every individual. Ultimately, she argues that reviving democracy will require proactive policies to address economic grievances and a conscious effort by citizens to rebuild a sense of "fellow feeling" across social divides. 

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