Democratic Backsliding and the Breach of Trust among Citizens: How to Avoid a Vicious Circle

Abstract

In this paper my goal is to investigate the so-called phenomenon of democratic backsliding from the perspective of the systemic processes that endanger relationships of trust among fellow citizens. I argue that the notion of democratic trust is multidimensional, as it encompasses a strictly epistemic dimension, as well as a more practical-normative one, concerning the expectations we have regarding others and what they owe us in the public sphere. Against this backdrop, my analysis focuses on social fragmentation caused by structural forms of injustice, that tend to foster, among other highly worrisome effects, an unjustified general attitude of arrogance by privileged members of political societies. Granted this analysis, I shall attempt to suggest a path that may possibly represent a step forward in the repair of mutual trust in democratic settings. In non-ideal circumstances, I argue, it is essential to stress that the first move in order to restore mutual trust and a collaborative democratic fabric rests with those who can more likely afford this attitude, that is, members of privileged groups, elites, and individuals who enjoy the status of epistemic authorities (even though contested by some). Given the asymmetric visibility of different social positionings and perspectives in the public sphere as well as widespread instances of structural injustices, some members of the citizenry, I posit, have a weightier duty to be loyal to the democratic ethos. In the last section, I will investigate the possibility that this positive posture by privileged elites may create incentives for others to follow suit and re-establish wide and stable relationships of mutual trust and, with it, a less polarized public sphere.