The enemies of liberal democracy

September 24, 2024

SEOUL – Recently, a headline captured global attention: another assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the US presidency. Fortunately, the attempt failed, and Trump remains unharmed. However, the incident raises serious concerns about the state of democracy today. Why is Trump a target again, and who benefits from this chaos? More critically, what does this say about the health of American democracy and its liberal traditions? This event is not an isolated act of violence; it reflects a deeper, more systemic issue. Liberal democracy, both in the US and globally, is under strain. By examining this through the lenses of civilization, democracy and liberalism, we can grasp how these essential principles are being eroded and what must be done to restore them.

Political violence, including assassination attempts, is simply barbarism. It attacks not only the individual but also the very core of civilization. For centuries, humanity has sought to replace violence with reason, creating norms, laws and institutions that promote peaceful conflict resolution. Civilization is defined by moving beyond the “might makes right” mentality of ancient times, favoring reasoned debate over bloodshed. History offers numerous examples of societies evolving from violent conquests to diplomatic negotiations. In the past, rulers often gained power through assassination or coups. However, as societies matured, governance systems emerged that prioritized discussion and compromise. The establishment of courts, parliaments and peaceful transitions of power are testaments to this progress. Assassination and other forms of political violence seek to undo these advances, dragging society back to a more