Liberal democracies, which flourished globally after World War II, are now in decline as citizens increasingly support authoritarian governments. This shift presents a puzzling question: Why do people facing complex social challenges embrace leaders who claim, “I alone can fix it”?

History shows that autocracies, with their rigid hierarchies and concentrated power, typically fail to solve complex social problems. Their simplistic solutions, implemented through command rather than consensus, typically lead to ineffective solutions. Yet their appeal persists.

In contrast, democracies operate through networks of interest groups that cooperate and compromise. While this process is slower and messier than autocratic decision-making, it typically produces more sustainable solutions that benefit the broader population.

The essays in this module, Puzzle V,  examine the growing polarization between those seeking quick fixes through strongman leadership and those willing to engage in democratic deliberation. We’ll explore why citizens increasingly choose the shiny object of autocratic simplicity over the challenging but rewarding path of democratic participation.