Autonomous Extremism 2

 

Autonomous Extremism Without Organizations II: When Democracies Are Already Eaten from Inside

Abstract

This sequel examines the condition in which democratic societies realise that autonomous extremism has already hollowed out their institutions. The first paper argued that democracies must act early to avoid being “eaten from inside.” This second paper asks: what happens when the rot is already advanced? Drawing on political theory, historical sociology, and psychological research on late-stage group conflict, the paper outlines the symptoms of institutional capture, the collapse of trust, and the limited but possible pathways forward.

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1. Recognising the “Too Late” Stage

Democracies may wake up to discover that the lines between free society and authoritarian capture have already blurred. The symptoms include:

• Institutional Capture: Extremist or intolerant ideologies dominate political parties, civil service, or education.

“The state apparatus itself is used to entrench the power of a faction, rather than to mediate between factions.” — Juan Linz, The Breakdown of Democratic Regimes.

• Erosion of Free Speech: Debate narrows until dissenters are labelled traitors, racists, or enemies of the state.

“The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.” — John Locke, Second Treatise of Government.

• Public Cynicism: Citizens cease to believe government will protect them; apathy or private withdrawal replaces civic trust.

“Trust is the coin of the realm… without it, the system itself becomes brittle.” — Francis Fukuyama, Trust.

• Protection for Extremists, Weakness for Critics: The state shields extremist groups from criticism (on grounds of tolerance) while harshly punishing those who resist.

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2. Psychology of the Late Stage

When populations sense capture, the collective psychology shifts:

• Learned Helplessness: Citizens feel powerless, retreat into private life, or emigrate. (Seligman, Helplessness).

• Polarisation: Groups withdraw into echo chambers; compromise becomes impossible.

• Moral Injury: People experience betrayal by the very institutions they expected to defend them.

• Radicalisation of the Centre: Ordinary citizens begin to accept more extreme “solutions” as the only way to fight back.

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3. Sociology of Institutional Hollowing

Late-stage democracies often reveal patterns:

• Parallel Institutions: When official systems lose legitimacy, people build “shadow” or “parallel” institutions — neighbourhood schools, alternative media, informal economies. (Scott, Weapons of the Weak).

• State–Society Inversion: Instead of society shaping the state, the state reshapes society to its ideology.

• Collective Silence: Even those who disagree fall quiet; conformity replaces consent.

“The death of democracies is not murder but suicide.” — Fareed Zakaria, The Future of Freedom.

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4. Political Outcomes: What Comes Next

Historically, three broad outcomes occur when democracies realise too late:

1. Consolidation of Authoritarianism: Extremist factions cement control (e.g. Weimar → Nazi Germany).

2. Revolution or Civil Conflict: Citizens resist outside the law, leading to open violence (e.g. 1848 European revolutions, Arab Spring).

3. Resilient Renewal: Society rebuilds democratic institutions from below through massive civic mobilisation (e.g. post-Franco Spain, post-Soviet Eastern Europe in some cases).

The third path is rare, but possible. It requires broad civic unity and the will to rebuild without falling into the same traps.

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5. The Role of Collective Action at the Late Stage

When governments cannot be trusted to correct themselves, the responsibility shifts:

• Community Self-Defense (Non-Violent First): Neighbourhood associations, local culture, and parallel civic groups become survival strategies.

• Truth-Telling: Underground or alternative media serve as lifelines against propaganda.

• Mass Withdrawal of Consent: Nonviolent resistance (refusal to cooperate, general strikes, boycotts) can delegitimize captured regimes.

“Power is not intrinsic to rulers, but depends on the obedience of the ruled.” — Gene Sharp, From Dictatorship to Democracy.

But where resistance remains fragmented, the system ossifies.

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6. Psychological Strategies for Individuals

When living under “already eaten” conditions, individuals face choices:

• Survival: Adapt and keep your head down.

• Exodus: Leave, if possible, to preserve self and family.

• Resistance: Join collective action to rebuild institutions, at personal risk.

• Collaboration: Align with the new order for safety or power.

History shows that most people choose survival or silence until conditions become unbearable.

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7. Conclusion

The first paper warned: act early or risk being eaten from inside. This sequel concludes:

• When democracies realise too late, the problem is not prevention but salvage.

• The likely paths are authoritarian entrenchment, violent upheaval, or rare renewal through massive civic unity.

• The central truth is that democracy survives only if citizens demand it, together, even at personal cost.

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” — Thomas Jefferson

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Index (Selected Works — title & author only)

• The Breakdown of Democratic Regimes — Juan Linz

• Second Treatise of Government — John Locke

• Trust — Francis Fukuyama

• Helplessness — Martin Seligman

• Weapons of the Weak — James C. Scott

• The Future of Freedom — Fareed Zakaria

• From Dictatorship to Democracy — Gene Sharp

• The Authoritarian Personality — Theodor Adorno et al.

• On Tyranny — Timothy Snyder