III Factors, 28 The Party’s Over

As one constitutional democracy after another has fallen on hard times, the “P word” has often been invoked. Populism has been blamed for many of the world’s democratic failures, as the people have fallen for the promise of becoming the winners who take all. Analysts of democratic dysfunction are wringing their hands and quoting Brecht: . . . [T]he people Had forfeited the confidence of the government And could win it back only By redoubled efforts. Would it not be easier In that case for the government To dissolve the people And elect another?1 In my view,...