During his lecture entitled "Democracy in Peril: Symptoms and Possible Remedies," Vincent Pons, professor at Harvard and winner of the 2023 Young Economist Award, discussed the reasons for growing disinterest in politics and concrete ways to revive civic engagement. Here's a look back at the January 30 duplex from Boston, held on The Land Campus.
A democracy in decline?
For 15 years, democracy has been in decline after three major waves of democratization. This decline affects not only India, Turkey, and Hungary, but also long-standing democracies such as France and the United States. Among the main causes of this phenomenon are:
- The rise of populism and the rejection of elites
- Increased political polarization
- The decline in voter turnout
- Distrust of institutions and the rise of social movements
While polarization is increasing in France and the United States, it is decreasing elsewhere, proving that social media is not solely responsible for this phenomenon. 24-hour news channels and targeted electoral strategies are also contributing to this trend. This alarming observation was one of the main topics discussed during Vincent Pons's lecture.
A tangible impact on our lives
One of the most powerful arguments for raising awareness about politics is to show its direct impact on concrete aspects of everyday life. Vincent Pons uses the example of healthcare systems in France and the United States to illustrate his point. In France, the collective choice of a social protection model provides universal and affordable access to healthcare, while in the United States, where political decisions have led to a predominantly private system, access to healthcare is strongly linked to income and individual insurance.
“Many people think that politics is something distant, reserved for the elite, but in reality, it shapes essential decisions such as education, health, transportation, and employment. Understanding these issues means regaining power over your own life,”he emphasizes.
The risks of democratic decline
The decline of democracy is not just a political issue: it has profound consequences for economic and social stability. Why is this a cause for concern?
- Democracy supports political and economic stability. A stable democracy provides a predictable framework for businesses and investors. On the other hand, political instability, such as in the United States with extreme polarization and institutional uncertainty, makes economic decisions riskier and can discourage investment. Vincent Pons illustrates this issue with the example of the renewable energy sector, particularly wind power. In the United States, frequent changes in political majorities have led to legislative reversals on green energy subsidies and regulations. This instability slows investment and complicates long-term planning for companies in the sector.
- Electoral transitions bring innovation and reduce corruption, but can lead to a loss of stability. A healthy democratic system allows for the renewal of ideas and leaders, but when it is weakened, it can lead to unstable change, as we have seen in some Latin American countries.
- Polarization and low participation complicate governance. In Chile, uncertainty surrounding the new Constitution has illustrated the difficulties of effective governance when the population is divided and decisions are contested.
A decline in democracy can undermine stability and economic performance. This is a key issue that must be addressed in order to ensure a strong democratic future.
How can you convince someone?
According to Vincent Pons, the key to convincing someone of the importance of politics rests on three pillars:
- Making politics accessible : avoid jargon and favor simple, concrete language.
- Customize your message : start with the concerns and interests of the person you are talking to in order to illustrate the political impact on their life.
- Highlighting successes : show that past commitments have led to social and economic progress.
“Political engagement is not limited to voting. Everyone can take action on their own level, by getting involved in an association, participating in debates, or raising awareness among those around them,”he concludes.
A necessary commitment for the future
Citizen engagement is all the more crucial in a context where economic, social, and environmental challenges are becoming increasingly complex. Each generation has the power to influence political directions by getting actively involved, whether through voting, local initiatives, or participation in public discussions.
Vincent Pons emphasizes the importance of passing on democratic values: "Raising young people's awareness of politics means giving them the tools to build the future. The sooner they realize their power to act, the more inclined they will be to defend their ideas and contribute to the evolution of society.".
Thus, far from being a domain reserved for experts, politics concerns everyone and deserves our active interest. By getting involved, every citizen can play a key role in building a more just and equitable future for all.
