Navigating the Post-Covid Era: The Challenge of Educating for Democratic Citizenship

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on democratic governance in many countries around the world, with emergency measures taken to combat the spread of the virus often used as a pretext for authoritarian leaders to consolidate power and undermine democratic institutions. As a result, some governments have suspended constitutional rights, restricted freedom of expression and assembly, and cracked down on dissenting voices, exploiting the pandemic to limit democratic participation and engagement. The closure of public spaces, limitations on freedom of speech, and the suspension of elections have also contributed significantly to the erosion of democratic values during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the conflict between efforts to fight the pandemic through lockdowns and limitations on movements and gathering, and the need for citizens to be active and critical, created a tension between public health and democratic values. While some restrictions may have been necessary to curb the spread of the virus and protect public health, these measures have also limited citizens’ ability to engage in critical dialogue about government policies, voice dissenting opinions, and participate in democratic processes. This tension highlights the need to strike a balance between diverse public values, and underscores the challenges posed by the pandemic to democratic governance. Additionally, the public discourse in many countries has become increasingly polarized, with alternative opinions often shamed or silenced, preventing constructive criticism of governmental measures and limiting the ability of citizens to engage in democratic processes. The paper will use the data from international organizations such as Amnesty International, Freedom House, and the Varieties of Democracy Project, to indicate the ways in which the pandemic has had a negative impact on democracy around the world. This data will be used to provide a broad overview of the challenges faced by democratic institutions and processes in the context of COVID-19. Next, the paper will draw on the ideas of Noam Chomsky and Hahrie Han to analyze the specific challenges posed by COVID-19 for democratic citizenship. Chomsky’s critiques of authoritarianism and state power will be used to examine the ways in which emergency measures tyaken in response to the pandemic have been used as a pretext for consolidating power and undermining democratic institutions. Finally, Han’s work on civic engagement and collective action will be used will be used to explore the challenges and dilemmas facing citizens in the context of COVID-19, including limitations on expression and gathering, as well as the need for active and critical citizenship in the face of emergency measures taken to combat the spread of the virus.