Why Voters Support Politicians Who Undermine Democracy

Why do so many citizens continue to support politicians who weaken democratic institutions? And why have nationalist appeals become such a potent force in democratic backsliding?

In this episode of the People, Power, Politics podcast, Filip Milačić speaks about his new book, Abandoning Democracy for the Nation (Cambridge University Press, 2026). Drawing on evidence from Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Israel and Turkey, he argues that democratic erosion cannot be explained by populism or polarization alone. Instead, political leaders can win support for undermining democratic institutions by persuading citizens that the nation itself is under threat.

The conversation examines why even democratically minded voters may tolerate attacks on democratic institutions, how far Filip Milačić’s argument travels beyond the cases covered in the book, and what his findings mean for those working to defend democracy.

Listen to the full episode here.