The European Parliament has published a study requested by the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and coordinated by the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA).

“EU strategy to face narratives against democracy – with a focus on the external dimension” is authored by Richard YOUNGS, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Europe, and Elene PANCHULIDZE, Research Coordinator, European Partnership for Democracy, Belgium.

Coordination was managed by former TEPSA Project Manager Sonia Chabane, TEPSA Programme Manager Eva Ribera, and TEPSA Project Assistant Ana Leladze.

Abstract

A surge in autocratic governance has become increasingly threatening to global politics, having gathered momentum over the past two decades. This autocratic wave continues to evolve, becoming ever more complex and diverse as it unfolds. Hence, the shifting dynamics driving this wave need to be fully understood and disaggregated if the European Union (EU) is to design effective responses. Democratic strategy needs not only to hold at bay severe repression, but also to engage with the ideas and narratives that underpin autocracy’s apparent appeal. Accordingly, this paper draws on historical and contemporary writings that present various arguments against democracy. After unpacking the different components of this autocratic wave, EU responses over recent years are assessed, looking at how these relate to pro-authoritarian narratives. It finds that the EU has improved many elements of its policies during this time but still needs to tailor its strategies to the ideational aspects of anti-democratic trends.