How much can a democracy take? Philosopher Julian Müller on strengths and weaknesses

Julian Müller, Professor of Political Philosophy: "Democracy can withstand a lot. The democratic constitutional state even more so." Photo: University of Graz/Tzivanopoulos

For some he is a saviour, for others a destroyer of the democratic USA. With the start of Donald Trump's second presidency, many are painting a gloomy picture. Julian Müller, Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Graz, warns against exaggerated doom and gloom. However, he also recognises the need for action, as liberal democracy is being put to the test.

As a professor of political philosophy, you focus on the strengths of liberal democracy. How weak is it in the face of a US President Trump?
Julian Müller: We have to remember that the world has already experienced four years of Donald Trump and has not come to an end. The situation is currently highly emotionally charged. I experienced something similar when I was a post-doc at Brown University during Trump's first election in 2016. Students came back crying from the Democratic election parties.

So can we be more relaxed?
Müller: I can certainly see the possibility that the presidency will damage the foundations of democracy. Liberal democracy thrives on a healthy culture of debate, on virtues such as honesty and seriousness. Sounds boring, but it is necessary. Trump and Musk, on the other hand, rely on strong emotions and riot culture. That's very entertaining, of course, but ultimately also highly dangerous.

Do liberal politicians even stand a chance in this match?
Müller: Centrist politicians are not allowed to use the same means as Trump and are therefore at a clear disadvantage. However, strategic mistakes were also made in the USA. Too little attention was paid to the concerns of the working population. We are seeing the same in Europe. Centrist parties are now being punished for this.

Does this mean that populists like Trump & Co. can govern without risk?
Müller: No, because if Trump drives the economy to the wall and people's incomes fall, he will quickly lose support. In the end, the population only cares about one thing: results. So Trump has to deliver.

So must and can a democracy withstand a lot?
Müller: Democracy can withstand a lot. The democratic constitutional state even more so. The problem of demagogues and populists is as old as democracy itself. The founding fathers of the USA therefore wisely limited the term of office of presidents to eight years.

After all, the people are always right, aren't they?
Müller: I agree with Sir Karl Popper, who said: Anyone can be wrong. That also applies to the people.

Interview: Andreas Schweiger

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