A Democratic Paradox: When the Electorate Demands Less Democracy

• In Event: Voters and Democratic Backsliding

Abstract

This paper investigates the intricate relationship between political trust, satisfaction with democracy, and democratic decline. Focusing on the European context between 1999 and 2020, the study employs the Varieties of Democracy (VDEM) polyarchy index and Eurobarometer survey data to analyze the dynamics of trust in national parliaments. The findings reveal a paradoxical situation where, in states experiencing democratic backsliding, trust in the national parliament corresponds to increased dissatisfaction with democracy. The author argues that this phenomenon aligns with a supply-demand framework, indicating a societal demand for less democratic institutions met by elected representatives. The research underscores the importance of institutions and majoritarian electoral systems in shaping the trajectory of democracy, offering insights into the challenges posed by right-wing populism and the potential implications for broader democratic practices worldwide.

Author

• Bryan J. Lockwald, University of Nevada, Las Vegas