Jakob Augstein and Jörg Baberowski Discuss Populism and Democracy
In an interview published in Der Freitag, journalist Jakob Augstein speaks with historian Jörg Baberowski about populism and democracy. Baberowski explains that populism succeeds because many people seek recognition rather than civil liberties, and they find it more from the right than the left. He argues that populism is not a new phenomenon but arises wherever governance claims to represent popular sovereignty, yet people feel inadequately represented. Notably, Baberowski's book on populism does not mention the AfD, as he aims to understand the concept historically. He notes that democracy takes many forms—liberal, electoral, or council-based—and that ancient Athenians would call modern systems oligarchies. The conversation touches on the tension between representation and popular sovereignty.
Key facts
- Jakob Augstein interviewed Jörg Baberowski for Der Freitag.
- Baberowski wrote a book on populism and democracy.
- The book does not mention the AfD.
- Baberowski argues populism arises when people feel unrepresented.
- He states democracy can be liberal, electoral, or council-based.
- Ancient Athenians would view modern systems as oligarchies.
- Populism succeeds because people seek recognition over civil liberties.
- Recognition is offered more by the right than the left.
Entities
Institutions
- Der Freitag