In this mind- and eye-opening conversation with the author, historian, politician, and academic, Canadian polymath Michael Ignatieff shares with Jeremi and Zachary the concept of "performative legitimacy," an insight central to today’s political landscape. In Ignatieff’s framing, this is the dilemma that functioning democratic systems are generally accepted when they work smoothly. However, when systems are questioned – as seen in many current global examples – democracy itself becomes a contentious issue. The result is legitimacy that is bestowed on the performer, in place of the institution.
Many dismiss the power of populist politicians, whereas elites must understand the anger populists play to – or perform to – is genuine discontent among the populace. We ignore that discontent at the peril of democracy itself.
Ignatieff knows whereof he speaks. In 2016, he was appointed president of the Central European University, founded by philanthropist George Soros in his native Budapest, Hungary. Ignatieff saw first hand the wider vendetta on the part of Hungary’s notorious and populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán against George Soros, the university's chief benefactor.
It is essential, Ignatieff argues, to Increase both voter turnout and citizen involvement in democratic processes. He suggests to Jeremi and Zachary that we embrace such ideas as citizens' assemblies, where ordinary citizens are given a role in decision-making. One interesting example he shares is Ireland's abortion reform process, part of a larger effort to enhance democratic legitimacy and representation.
Take a listen to this important conversation on the discontent animating what is often called populism, and what can be done about it.
This is Democracy – Episode 271: Reforming Democracy