Authoritarianism Study | The shift to the right can still be stopped

More and more people are finding democracy in the Federal Republic to be terminally ill. Photo: Imago/pictureteam The authors have titled the latest Leipzig authoritarianism study with the title “The Resistible Rise of Authoritarianism,” which is based on Bertolt Brecht. First of all, it provides alarming findings for the second part of the headline. Trust in democracy is on the decline and satisfaction with its current implementation is in the basement. The longing for a leader is growing, the desire for a "strong party that embodies the national community" is capable of gaining a majority in the East. The scientists observe a longing for the apocalypse and the radical break with the existing, as well as the nostalgic longing for a transfigured past. For those with historical knowledge, the developments remind us of exactly the past that Brecht described in his 1941 parable about Arturo Ui, alias Adolf Hitler, and which deserves no glorification.

But how could this development be “stopped”? The researchers appeal to identify causes for the dissatisfaction. The Saxony Monitor 2026, published a few days ago, provides some clues. It revealed similar values ​​on right-wing attitudes and frustration with democracy - and at the same time showed how widespread the feeling for injustice is in the country. 40 percent believe they do not receive their fair share: because wages are too low, pensions and social benefits do not secure their existence, and work done is not valued. This is an ideal breeding ground for resentment.

It is also important to strengthen trust in democracy by practicing it in other forms. Many citizens want more political participation. In the Saxony Monitor, the highest approval ratings were for participation in signature collections and demonstrations, i.e. forms of action that are more of an outlet for discontent and cost little to the individual. The proven but far too little used forms also include citizens' budgets or citizens' councils. As the researchers advise, they could convey a “realistic understanding of political processes” and they strengthen the feeling of participation – provided their results are actually implemented.

Finally, the researchers recommend counteracting the widespread nostalgia with a positive, encouraging narrative about the future. This is undoubtedly the most difficult task at a time when the prevailing politics is exhausted by austerity orgies that are presented as having no alternative, rearmament seems to be the only driver of jobs and fears of war and climate change are omnipresent. But it would be one that the political left in particular should take on in order to get people excited about something other than a new leader. It's not hopeless. Referring to earlier developments, the researchers emphasize that there is “definitely the possibility of a trend reversal.” The rise of authoritarianism is reversible – yet.

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