西方的焦虑。如何恢复西方民主的理想 ？

CIDOB notes internacionals 242 highlights the current state of anxiety in Western democracies, emphasizing the resurgence of a "virus" that threatens these ideals - fascism. The text explores the reasons behind this anxiety, including the destructive potential of climate change, the prevalence of fake news, the exponential rise in mental health issues like depression and suicide, particularly among young people, and the growing popularity of narratives that promote chaos and aggression. The text argues that these factors are interconnected, with the current pandemic serving as a symbol for the broader erosion of liberal democracy.

The text points out that one of the key reasons for the difficulty in recognizing fascism is a lack of understanding about its historical context and the ideological complexities that define it. It stresses that fascism is not a uniform, easily identifiable entity but rather emerges from a democratic system that has lost its core values and principles. Fascist leaders often present themselves as anti-politicians, promising to cure societal ills while exploiting human weaknesses such as fear, hatred, and a desire for authority and national-ethnic identity. They use tactics like lies, manipulation, and propaganda to gain power, often presenting themselves as protectors of democracy and the people's will.

The text argues that the return of fascism is a symptom of deeper issues within liberal democracies, including social and economic insecurity, a lack of trust in governing elites, and a failure to address inconvenient truths. It suggests that the key to restoring the foundations of liberal democracy lies in addressing these issues head-on, particularly through reforms in education, equal opportunities, and the cultivation of values such as reason, truth, and justice. It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confronting the specific characteristics of the fascist spirit, rather than simply dismissing it as populism or some other undefined concept.