Reverend Robert L. Montgomery
Journalist and historian Anne Applebaum, writing for The Atlantic, recently wrote about the impact of anti-democracy propaganda around the world, with the United States as its main target. The propaganda is sophisticated, and is being further refined through the use of artificial intelligence. What makes it particularly alarming is that the propaganda appeals to right-wingers, particularly MAGA Republicans, and generally aims to discredit democracy and freedom around the world. Moreover, it severely undermines Ukraine’s sacrificial struggle against Russia.
Applebaum emphasizes that democratic ideals are truly accepted around the world. In response, the Chinese government distributed Document No. 9, which outlined the dangers facing the Chinese Communist Party, including “Western constitutional democracy,” “universal human rights,” “media independence,” “judicial independence,” and “civic participation.”
The document asserts that “Western powers hostile to China” and domestic dissidents “still continually encroach on the realm of ideas.” This shows that the struggle to enjoy democratic freedoms begins in the realm of ideas. Thus, America is fundamentally an idea, what President Abraham Lincoln aptly described as a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” These words have great appeal around the world. We are fighting to ensure that this idea does not disappear. Anne Applebaum calls us to recognize that the enemies of democracy are becoming more adept at expressing their opposition through propaganda, weakening America’s resistance to dictatorship. Still, we are glad that dictators fear the ideas of democracy and freedom.
Dictator propaganda portrays America as a country in chaos, too weak to maintain order and protect its people. In essence, dictators argue that democracy is not safe for its people. Dictators in countries like Russia and China are portrayed as orderly, peaceful, and secure. The message is that the order and security that dictators supposedly provide (which is false) is preferable to the chaos and danger that comes with the many freedoms of a democracy.
How should we respond to anti-democratic propaganda?
I have lived in or near countries that were not democracies and where people had very little freedom. Given the long history of non-democracies in the world, it is not hard to understand the mindset of people who live in such countries. Most people just want to survive. Propaganda spread in the United States and around the world emphasizes the instability of democracies compared to the orderly life in authoritarian countries. This helps people adapt to the autocratic conditions in their own countries. This also sounds appealing to some Americans who have no security in their own lives. These are people who tend to admire “strong men” in other countries. In fact, Donald Trump himself has expressed his admiration for such men. He would be content with an obedient public that would remain loyal to him because it would allow them to maintain a safe life.
What is the response to anti-democratic propaganda? I think this is a call to the American people to strongly advocate for democratic freedoms. The more actual experience people have in the election of various groups, including churches and other organizations, the more they will actually know what democracy means. In the national discussion and advocacy about democracy, scholars and students of American history and society should be asked to explain the concrete experiences the United States has had in defending and practicing democracy in war and peace. These experiences include the struggles and victories that the American people have experienced to maintain and improve democratic equality and freedom up to the present day.
A major talking point in America about democracy throughout history protects Americans from the false and harmful propaganda that hostile authoritarian nations feed into our society. The great efforts and sacrifices of the nation in World War I and World War II should be emphasized. Allowing freedom of speech and press exposes us to many falsehoods, but that freedom also encourages greater knowledge of what makes our nation a great democracy, one that can continually improve.
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Rev. Dr. Robert L. Montgomery lives in Black Mountain.
