[Democratic backsliding: Causes, consequences, and countermeasures(EN) | Prof. Stephan Lewandowsky

Democracy is in retreat around the world. There are many causes for this backsliding but a common factor in most cases is that political and social elites are violating, or at least cease to uphold, democratic norms. The consequences of democratic backsliding are terrifying for vulnerable individuals and groups, but they also affect people and groups who may have felt secure in the past. Democratic backsliding is difficult to reverse because rebuilding of institutions is far more difficult than their destruction. There are, however, some actions that individuals can take to push back against the undermining of democracy, although historical case studies suggest that arresting backsliding and restoring democracy requires elite involvement and strong leadership. Stephan Lewandowsky is Professor of Cognitive Psychology at the University of Bristol and an Honorary Professor at the University of Potsdam. His research focuses on misinformation, conspiracy theories, and science denial, as well as the role of human cognition in digital information environments and democratic societies. He also studies how misinformation can be corrected and how societies can become more resilient to disinformation. For his scientific work and engagement in public discourse, he has received numerous awards and has been a Fellow of the British Academy since 2026.

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