Opinion | How fear shapes citizen voices
Summary
Fear quietly undermines democracy by silencing citizens and eroding trust, making the true health of freedom dependent on the absence of fear in society's voices.
Key Points
- Democracy's erosion begins subtly with self-censorship and fear, not just visible political crises.
- True freedom in democracy is the absence of fear, not just lack of state interference.
- Excessive display of power and bypassing institutions endangers democratic foundations.
- Restoring trust and enabling fearless citizen dialogue are essential for a healthy democracy.