Democracy Talk #6: Why leaders undermine their democracies: What European democracies can learn from the USA under Trump

The efforts that are undermining the substance of democracy, such as incumbents’ attempts to tilt the playing field in their favor, a serious weakening or dismantling of checks and balances as well as restrictions of political and civil liberties, have become an increasing reality in many democracies around the world. Why is democracy under assault across the globe by the leaders entrusted to preserve it? This is the central question of Professor Susan Stoke's upcoming book ‘The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies (Princeton University Press)’. Professor Stokes will discuss key findings from her book on how amid increasing income inequality left-behind voters were drawn to right-wing ethnonationalist and left-wing populist leaders. Professor Stokes will also discuss lessons for European democracies, with a special focus on President Donald Trump’s ongoing attacks on democratic norms and principles.

About Susan Stokes

Susan Stokes is the Tiffany and Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago and Director of the Chicago Center on Democracy. She is president of the American Political Science Association, member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and past chair of the Political Science Department at Yale University.