In this moment of global democratic backsliding, we often hear words like these to describe movements undermining liberal democratic institutions and norms around the world.
We could debate which term is most appropriate, but when it comes to the information environment, all of these have one thing in common.
Attacks on independent media, higher education, and science?
These are all efforts to delegitimize rival sources of knowledge and expertise.
Normalizing lies and flooding the zone with claims that are difficult to verify and often misleading?
This fuels the disorienting sense among the public that perhaps nothing is true after all, and maybe it doesn’t even matter.
Fueling conspiracy theories and disinformation?
Once the public doesn’t know what is possible to believe, they are more likely to believe anything is possible.
The goal by the end is to present the leader as the only figure telling the “truth”—not based on any established expertise or independent process of investigating claims, but simply because whatever they say becomes “true.” 2+2=5.
I hope it goes without saying that this kind of system tends to be very good for the leader and very bad for the public. An uninformed and demoralized public cannot effectively advocate for a government that protects its interests and values.
This is why it is essential for members of the public to fight to defend sources of independent information and inquiry.
This is one of the most significant underpinnings of a democratic society. Without it, democratic self-rule is like a house built on sand—it erodes until it is unrecognizable.
First, it’s helpful to simply recognize all of these seemingly disconnected trends as part of a broader project, and to resist them when you see them happening.
Second, today PRRI is asking people who understand the value of data for democracy to join them for a Day of Giving.
PRRI produces free, rigorous, and independent data on some of the most important issues facing American society today, and a gift of any amount will help them keep delivering this data we have all come to rely on for free.
Powerful testimonials and details about a 3pm Substack Live event to reveal fresh data on the role of religion in the midterms can be found below and by following PRRI.
It may be trite, but knowledge really is power.
No one knows that better than wannabe dictators. We would be well served to remember it, too.
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