In brief
By examining the failures in various democracies, including Hungary and Venezuela, this article draws an analogy between the stability of democratic systems and the wobbly Millennium Footbridge in London, showcasing the importance of checks and balances.
On June 10, 2000, London unveiled the Millennium Footbridge, an innovative pedestrian bridge designed to resemble a floating ribbon of steel above the River Thames. Yet, upon its opening, the bridge displayed alarming instability as foot traffic began. Engineers later discovered that the bridge was built on the assumption of random pedestrian movement, which would naturally offset each other. However, when crowds formed a unified pace, the bridge swayed dangerously, leading to its closure for emergency modifications after just two days. This incident has left me reflecting on the precariousness of democratic systems. In a recent exploration for The Times Magazine, I delved into the intricacies of democratic stability, theorizing about what maintains its equilibrium and what threatens to destabilize it. I likened various democratic frameworks to suspension bridges, held aloft by checks and balances that govern their stability. What occurs when external stressors tilt this balance dangerously or lead to total collapse?Take Hungary, where a constitutional peculiarities granted Prime Minister Viktor Orban an overwhelming parliamentary majority, allowing him to amend the constitution at will. He exploited this power to fortify his position against electoral threats, effectively dismantling democratic structures, co-opting judicial systems, and transforming the media into tools for his regime.Venezuela illustrates another alarming example, where a pivotal Supreme Court ruling during Hugo Chávez’s administration significantly undermined democracy. He initiated a referendum to replace the constitution, despite it contradicting established amendment protocols. The court’s approval of this measure enabled Chávez to seize control of Venezuela's key institutions, a grip that remained strong even after his death when his chosen successor, Nicolás Maduro, assumed power.These examples serve as stark reminders that when support structures erode and public voices falter, the weight of misaligned movements can topple even the most robust systems. By understanding these dynamics, we can better appreciate the importance of maintaining a balanced and engaged democratic society to prevent the wobble from becoming a complete collapse.
