Reflections on Democracy and Historical Fiction Amidst London’s Summer Heat

Reflections from London’s Sizzling Summer

Greetings from London, where we find ourselves in the midst of a sweltering summer, a season that has prompted many of us to seek refuge indoors with a good book in hand. I’m embracing this age-old tradition of intellectual escapism, and I’d like to share some intriguing reads that have captivated my attention.

First on my list is an insightful academic exploration of a pressing issue: democratic backsliding. This phenomenon, characterized by the gradual erosion of democratic institutions and values, often leads nations into the murky waters of semi-autocratic “hybrid” regimes or outright autocracies. In his thought-provoking work, “Democracy Erodes From the Top: Leaders, Citizens and the Challenges of Populism in Europe,” published last year, political scientist Larry Bartels from Vanderbilt University delves into public opinion data to challenge prevailing narratives surrounding right-wing populism and its impact on democracy in Europe.

Contrary to common assumptions that right-wing populism inherently undermines democratic structures, Bartels presents a compelling argument supported by data. In several European nations where populist far-right movements have gained traction over recent decades, Bartels asserts that democracy appears to be holding its ground. He also points to Poland and Hungary—two countries that have experienced notable democratic decline—highlighting that their governments embraced far-right populist ideologies only after winning elections on platforms centered around more conventional political agendas. Interestingly, during the rise of Viktor Orban in Hungary, a different far-right party struggled significantly at the polls, indicating a complex interplay between public sentiment and democratic integrity.

In contrast to this academic discourse, I’ve also found myself immersed in some lighter yet surprisingly relevant historical fiction. “The Wealth of Shadows,” authored by Graham Moore, unfolds the largely true narrative of a clandestine group of economists and legal experts within the U.S. Treasury Department who endeavored to leverage the international financial system to undermine the Nazi war effort as early as 1939. Operating under a shroud of secrecy due to the United States’ official stance of neutrality at the time, their actions teetered on the brink of legality and public approval.

Moore skillfully transforms what could easily devolve into bureaucratic tedium into a gripping tale that reads like a suspenseful spy novel. The urgency and drama he injects into the otherwise mundane task of document exchanges provide a riveting narrative thread. However, as I read, I couldn’t help but ponder how these historical figures would react to contemporary realities, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

In the initial phases of the invasion, the United States and its allies took decisive steps to sever Russia’s access to key international financial institutions, aiming to isolate President Vladimir Putin and curtail his military capabilities. Yet, the resilience of Russia’s economy emerged as it swiftly recalibrated its trade partnerships, especially with nations such as China that maintained their economic ties. This adaptation has allowed the conflict to persist, raising profound questions about the effectiveness of financial strategies in curbing aggression in our modern geopolitical landscape.