Democrats at crossroads: Growing threat of abandoning norms in American politics

An article by Financial Times presents a cautionary analysis of the current state of American politics, particularly focusing on the dynamics between the two major political parties, the Democrats and Republicans.

The author argues that a significant shift is taking place, where the Democrats, while still adhering to traditional norms, may eventually be pushed to abandon them due to the increasingly unscrupulous behavior of the Republican Party, especially under the influence of Donald Trump. This analysis is framed through the lens of game theory, where the Democrats are depicted as the "suckers" for playing by the rules, while Republicans, particularly Trump, flout the norms without consequence.

The piece suggests that the threat to American democracy is not just the actions of the Republican Party, but the potential reaction of the Democrats to these actions. If Democrats continue to observe these norms while their opponents do not, they risk being outflanked by more radical or authoritarian figures within their own ranks.

The concern is that the Democratic Party might eventually be forced to abandon its commitment to civility, fairness, and rule of law, just as some on the right have done. This could lead to the rise of a left-wing demagogue, similar to how Trump emerged on the right, or the endorsement of a more opportunistic, non-institutional approach to politics, where norms are only adhered to when it is convenient.

The analysis draws a parallel between the current political trajectory in the US and the decline of political norms seen in the UK with the rise of figures like Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn. It emphasizes that the situation in the US could similarly culminate in a chaotic, destructive political contest between two reckless parties, undermining the stability of democratic institutions.

The author contends that the real danger for the US is not the rise of fascism but the more subtle erosion of democratic norms, where both sides engage in a race to the bottom, justifying their actions with the mantra, "Everyone does it."

The key takeaway from the piece is that the Democratic Party is facing intense pressure. If they continue to play by the rules while the Republican Party operates without regard for norms, they may be forced into a position where abandoning those norms seems like the only viable option to win or protect their political power. This shift, the author argues, poses an existential threat to the stability and future of American democracy.

By Vafa Guliyeva