“Democracy can defend itself, and it must”

Elisa Orrù discusses hybrid threats on Deutschlandfunk Radio

Democracies face numerous threats. Yet, according to democracy researcher Elisa Orrù, they can and must defend themselves. In an interview with Deutschlandfunk Radio, Orrù expressed confidence that democracies are equipped with the resources to handle this challenge. Access to reliable and trustworthy information, however, is crucial.

Can democracy, with its institutional limitations, effectively counter internal and external hybrid threats? Can it defend itself adequately? These are the questions posed in a Deutschlandfunk interview with philosopher and Max Planck researcher Elisa Orrù.  

Democracy can defend itself, and it must do so, said Orrù. Democratic structures and debates may be complex and exhausting, but democracies have the resources at their disposal to maintain and strengthen their resilience. Historically, autocratic and dictatorial regimes have not been particularly successful in the long run.

Elisa Orrù believes it is necessary to invigorate and sustain democratic debate. It is also important that people have access to information that is securely, responsibly, and ethically gained, for example through public television and radio.

Orrù also emphasizes how important it is for democracy to be mindful of its institutional constraints when defending itself. The philosopher notes, “If we undermine democratic principles, we have helped those who seek to destabilize democracy to achieve their goals.”

Listen to the full interview in German (8:52) at www.deutschlandfunk.de