In this foundational episode of Metapolitics, hosts Barry Richards and Mustafa Selek explore the challenging question: Why is liberal democracy so difficult to sustain? The conversation examines how democratic systems place unique psychological demands on citizens that other political systems do not.
The hosts investigate what constitutes a functional democracy beyond its formal structures - from free elections and independent media to constitutional checks and balances. They consider how these systems require not just cognitive competence from citizens but also a specific kind of emotional maturity: the ability to prioritise collective interests, tolerate uncertainty, and maintain trust in institutions even during disagreement.
Drawing on recent global research, Barry and Mustafa question whether the widely-reported "crisis of trust" represents a catastrophic collapse or a more nuanced evolution of how citizens relate to different types of authority. They examine how trust has declined most steeply in political parties rather than implementing institutions like courts or police, suggesting specific political disaffection rather than a general rejection of authority.
The episode considers Donald Winnicott's psychoanalytic perspective on citizenship, exploring whether emotional capacity for democratic participation varies across populations and how this might affect democratic stability. The hosts conclude by examining the rise of populism as both a symptom of legitimate grievances against distant elites and a potential exploitation of psychological vulnerabilities.
This thought-provoking conversation establishes a foundation for the podcast series, highlighting how the meta-dimensions of politics - the psychological and cultural contexts in which political processes unfold - are crucial for understanding contemporary challenges to democratic systems.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.metapolitics.co.uk
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