In a scene reminiscent of the early 20th century, an autocratic prime minister was shot by a poet in a remote Mitteleuropean town. The attempt on Robert Fico, Slovakia’s strongman, may seem outdated, but upon closer examination, it reveals contemporary issues.
Fico, a former communist leader turned powerful politician, rose to prominence by opposing economic liberalism and engaging in divisive culture wars akin to those seen in the era of Trump. The assassination attempt is a result of these culture wars, where every political difference is amplified to extremes.
When Slovakia gained independence in 1993, political assassinations were believed to be a thing of the past. The country was on a path towards Western European standards of living, mirroring the progress made by other nations during the 1990s towards peace, democracy, and rule of law.
However, something changed after 2012. Liberal democracy started to decline, even in countries like Slovakia that had embraced globalization and democracy. The rise of leaders with authoritarian tendencies, like Fico, raised questions about what went wrong and why democratic values were being eroded.
Possible explanations for this shift include the global financial crisis, which highlighted the inequities of the capitalist system, and the significant increase in global migration facilitated by technological advancements. Demographic changes and the impact of smartphones on society have also played a role in shaping the current political landscape.
The decline in mental health, particularly among young people, due to smartphone addiction has led to a more polarized and conspiracy-driven political environment. This shift in mindset has made it easier for leaders like Fico to gain support by exploiting fear and division.
As we face challenges to the liberal world order, including threats from leaders like Putin and Xi, it is clear that the erosion of critical thinking and openness to different viewpoints poses a greater threat than political assassinations. Our society’s ability to discern truth from misinformation is at risk, and unless we address these underlying issues, the future of democracy remains uncertain.
