The Conservative Dilemma in the Digital Age: How Online Organizations Contribute to Democratic Backsliding
Conservative political parties occupy a precarious position in liberal democracies. On the one hand, economic elites who tend to be protective of the status quo are a core constituency of most conservative parties. On the other hand, conservative parties must compete in democratic elections where majorities matter. Political historian Daniel Ziblatt calls this circumstance the “conservative dilemma.” The dilemma is exacerbated by rising socioeconomic inequality, demographic change, and social justice activism. How can a conservative party remain competitive in a democratic election during times of social and economic stress while also preserving the status quo? Steven Livingston adds to Daniel Ziblatt’s model with a discussion of online extremist organizations.
Steven Livingston is founding director of the Institute for Data, Democracy, and Politics, Washington, DC, and Professor of Media and Public Affairs.
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