Reviewed by E. B. Heath
In his latest book, For the People: Fighting Authoritarianism Saving Democracy, Professor A. C. Grayling provides, in a clear accessible style, a well-researched exploration of the decline of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism.
Grayling names four reasons why democracy is under pressure. The first is that it is not delivering enough to satisfy people’s aspirations and needs; rather politicians are trapped in political division and partisanships, so reducing responsiveness to issues at hand. Secondly, multinational global corporations are beyond the powers of state government, they cannot be controlled; rather it appears they are successfully manipulating political divisions to serve their own agenda. The third is that authoritarian governments appear to be an easier to manage model for the newly independent former colonies and of course, big business. Fourthly there is deliberate and successful attempts by anti-democrats to undermine democracy. Tactics employed range from interference, misinformation and propaganda, so easily distributed via social media. Grayling adds correlative pressures on the above as migration, climate change and wars. Perhaps more pertinently, the virtues of democracy are now taken for granted or have become invisible. People have no idea what oppression follows an authoritarian system.
Grayling discusses each of the above points in four chapters. Chapter 1 ‘Of, By, For the People’ discusses systems of democracy, providing a concise history of democracy and the struggle it took over many years to free citizens from the tyranny of authoritarianism. He also details how party politics has appropriated the work of government, and how it is being influenced by multinational business. Chapter 2, ‘High Finance and Democracy’ deals with a root problem causing inequality and injustice as big business influences government to serve their best interests, while avoiding taxation via tax havens. Authoritarian movements are being supported by big money interests whose only logic is towards profit, regardless of damage done to the environment and climate, and the living standards of the general populace. Chapter 3 ‘The Alternative Model: Turning to Authoritarianism, discusses the toxic contradictions of populism, given that it is supported by the very people it aims to oppress. The methods used to attack democratic ideals are detailed in Chapter 4 ‘Interference Undermining Democracy’.
In Chapter 5 ‘Restoring Democracy’ Grayling shows how the above four points are linked and briefly reiterates the salient points. He proposes that the solution lies not in a revolution, but redesigning the architecture of government, the details of which would be codified in a constitution that … defines the duties and extent of powers of its offices and officers, together with remedies against failure or abuse. He makes the point that a formal Bill of Human Rights has to be a central pillar of the constitution. Furthermore, the role of money in elections must be limited and the fitness of candidates should be interrogated by the electorate. Concerned with the English system he proposes proportional representation, compulsory voting, rigid separation between legislature and executive, and an independent oversight that monitors MPs’ code of conduct, including fact-checking issues raised. It seems Australia is ahead of the game concerning some of the above, however, an independent oversight monitoring MPs’ behaviour and fact-checking is a very good idea.
Much of Grayling’s material is concerning, as it is intended to be. Democracy took many years before it became the system we have today, it is not a perfect system but so much better than being controlled by an authoritarian government whose only goal is to forward the interests of a few at the expense of many. Grayling indulges in a ‘what if’ scenario regarding action that Biden might have taken while he had the opportunity. Wise, anti-authoritarian governments would do well to take action while they have the opportunity.
The above is a brief account of a book that needs to be read widely, school children should be coached in its content, complacency is the enemy here.
For the People: Fighting Authoritarianism Saving Democracy
by A. C. Grayling
(2025)
Oneworld Publications Ltd
Paperback
ISBN: 9781836431442
$28.75; 288pp