Symposium: US democracy in the spotlight
Adam Hjorthén, director of the Swedish Institute for North American Studies (SINAS). Photo: Tobias Sterner, Bildbyrån, Uppsala university.
Political developments in the US are provoking strong reactions around the world. The symposium “Quo Vadis America (Part 3) – The End of U.S. Democracy?” addresses the question of where US democracy is heading. Adam Hjorthén, director of the Swedish Institute for North American Studies (SINAS), explains why the topic is so relevant.
How valid is the question of whether American democracy is coming to an end?
“The question is, of course, somewhat provocative and open to debate. Unfortunately, however, it is rooted in both long-term and short-term developments that pose a significant threat to the survival of liberal democracy in the United States.
The American political system already suffers from a democratic deficit. The principle of ‘one person, one vote’ does not apply in the US. The Constitution actually facilitates minority rule, for example through the Electoral College system in presidential elections, the structure of the Senate – which gives disproportionate power to residents of small states – and the process for appointing Supreme Court justices.
On top of this, we now see Trump’s attempts to increase presidential power and curtail democracy. The list of such actions is extensive. It includes his systematic denial of election results, the politicisation of the Department of Justice and the judicial system, and the dismantling of press freedom, freedom of expression and academic freedom.
Trump has also accelerated the destruction of public discourse. Trust in the media, politicians, government agencies and universities is generally low in the US, but above all it is politically polarised. Many Americans therefore inhabit different realities today. The consequences of this are serious and hard to fully grasp.
Still, there are glimmers of hope. The upcoming midterm elections will be a critical juncture. Despite the negative trends, Americans have an opportunity to change the political direction, both at federal and state levels. The activity of civil society is also important to keep an eye on. The protests against the ICE raids in Minnesota in January were a victory for local civil society. The so-called ‘No Kings’ protests have grown in strength over the past year, alongside frustration within the Republican Party over the war in Iran and mounting criticism of the difficult financial situation for many Americans.
Why is it important for us to understand this development, even here in Sweden?
“Sweden is closely linked to the United States economically, militarily, socially and culturally. The US is one of the world’s most powerful countries, which is why there is both a need and a desire to understand what is happening there. Although Sweden is inundated with news about the US, most of it merely scratches the surface. We are easily overwhelmed by the rapid news cycle.
Media coverage of the US focuses primarily on Donald Trump. However, the presidency is just one of three branches of the federal government. It is impossible to understand American politics without understanding the significance of the actions of the Supreme Court and Congress, as well as what is happening at state level.
How are recent developments affecting the state of democracy in the US?
“Voting rights in the US have been deteriorating over a long period of time. That is not something Trump is responsible for, even though he and the Republican-controlled Congress have tried to push through the so-called SAVE America Act. Rather, the deterioration has been implemented through legal channels, in the courts.
The United States only became a full-fledged democracy in 1965, with the passing of the Voting Rights Act. But today that law lies in tatters as a result of a series of Supreme Court rulings, such as Shelby County v Holder in 2013 and Rucho v Common Cause in 2019, as well as the most recent one, just a couple of weeks ago, Louisiana v Callais.
In consequence, states are now able to create congressional districts in ways that effectively limit the voting power of Black Americans and ethnic minorities, without federal oversight. The risk is that many Americans will now lose their democratic representation.
Finally – who do you think should attend the symposium?
“The symposium will explore this topic in greater depth and detail than is the case in news coverage. I therefore believe the symposium will prove valuable both to those who follow US politics closely and to those who do not. If you feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of news, this is an excellent opportunity to gain insight and perspective.
Emma Hallberg Gardell