Yet another poll has concluded that nearly half of young Europeans are dissatisfied with democracy. According to this study, more than one in five (21%) “would favour authoritarian rule under certain, unspecified circumstances.”

It’s tempting to blame social media, disinformation, or economic stress, but as I’ve discussed before, I suspect something deeper is at work. For decades, we’ve told our children that leadership is the key to success. At the same time, we complain that democracy is messy, bureaucratic, and often inefficient. Why would any of them believe democracy is the way to go?

Do they realize what they’re willing to give up?

Anyone who says they’d trade democracy for strongman rule is effectively saying, “I don’t believe my own opinions and freedom matter. I’d rather someone else decide my life for me.” Is that really what they want?

Have you ever met a teenager who claims they enjoy having their parents dictate their lives? I haven’t. Teenagers put up with certain orders from their parents because they’re dependent on them and (hopefully) because they love and respect them, knowing their parents have their best interests at heart. They also understand that one day they’ll move out and become independent, so they know their current subordination is only temporary.

Democracies may be bureaucratic, messy, and frustrating at times, but that so-called mess is exactly what protects our freedom. Among other things, it serves as a safety net, ensuring that different perspectives and opinions are considered before and during the decision-making process. As I’ve said many times before, making decisions is easy — making the right decision is not. Giving one person all the power dramatically increases the risk of bad decisions.

Questions for the young

If you work with young people—in schools, youth organizations, or even around your own dinner table—here are some questions worth exploring. They’re not meant to shame or scold, but to spark real thinking. Please feel free to use them, share them, or adapt them to your context.

Would you like your parents decide everything about your life forever—your job, partner, where you live?

If not, why?

Would you let someone else do it?

Who would you trust with absolute power over your life if you gave up that right? FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:

Why this person?

Do you think they would always put your interests first? If they didn’t, or if they died or lost power, what would you do?

What would you do if you found out they protected your interests but harmed others?

Would you rather live where decisions are quick but only help a few, or slow but consider many perspectives? If it’s the former, are you okay being one of the people left out?

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

There’s a big difference between fixing democracy and rejecting it altogether. If we want to protect our freedoms, we need honest conversations — especially with young people — about what democracy gives us, and what’s at stake if we lose it. Leadership isn’t the solution; collaborative engagement is.

So I hope you’ll pass these questions along to anyone who might use them, in classrooms, workplaces, or at home. Because once democracy is gone, it’s incredibly hard to get back.

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