Lindsay Gurnell is currently pursuing a master’s degree in political science at SU. She is particularly interested in political behaviour and democratic governance. Her master’s research explores the underlying reasons for voting for African National Congress (ANC) splinter parties, and whether these reasons differ significantly across the parties. 

What do you see as the most significant threats to democracy today?

The rise of identity-based populism is one of the most significant threats to democracy worldwide. Populism is typically understood as a struggle between “the people” and “the corrupt elite”. It is particularly dangerous because it draws on a range of economic, political and social grievances to drive highly polarised political narratives. The danger lies in the way populism presents itself as a legitimate democratic alternative within liberal democracy, while often seeking to undermine its core principles from within. As a result, dissatisfied voters may support populist leaders in pursuit of change, without fully recognising the potential long-term risks this poses to democratic stability. 

What happens when that trust erodes, and how can it be rebuilt in polarised and unequal societies?

When citizens lose trust in institutions and political leaders, democracy itself loses legitimacy. As a result, political engagement declines and individuals become more receptive to non-democratic forms of governance. In polarised and unequal societies, this risk is more pronounced as deep political, social, and economic divisions make it easier for trust to erode along group lines. 

In divided societies, restoring trust in democratic institutions requires tackling both the legitimacy of these institutions and social fragmentation. This involves improving service delivery in marginalised communities, ensuring the rule of law is consistently enforced, and promoting dialogue across social and political divides to improve fractured perceptions of fairness and representation.

Young people are often described as disengaged from formal politics, yet active in social movements. How do you interpret this?

Young people are most likely to engage in politics through protests, social movements or digital activism than in formal politics. While participation in informal politics is important, it is often episodic and symbolic rather than sustained. For example, informal political action may successfully raise awareness or put pressure on government, but it does not always translate into long-term policy change. This creates a gap between political mobilisation and meaningful political influence. Therefore, although informal politics is an important element of democratic participation, securing the future of democracy may require young people to integrate informal engagement with formal political participation such as voting or taking part in public consultations. 

How can technology and social media be harnessed to advance democracy rather than undermine it?

Technology and social media can enhance democracy by improving access to information, encouraging civic participation, and increasing governmental transparency. Digital tools such as The Computational Democracy Project collect, analyse and interpret citizens’ views of their socio-political environment and, using artificial intelligence, identify key policy issues. This can help governments and policymakers better understand public concerns more quickly and clearly, making policy action more effective. 

In South Africa, the use of technology and social media is particularly significant due to its closed-list proportional representation electoral system. This system is characterised by weak direct accountability. Social media can help address accountability gaps within this system by increasing direct engagement with government officials. For example, on X (formerly Twitter), citizens often publicly question government officials and highlight service delivery shortfalls. In this way, government officials are compelled to respond publicly, thereby strengthening direct accountability. 

What gives you hope for the future of democracy? 

There are many excellent initiatives that promote democracy and human rights, particularly within academic and research environments. At SU, the Centre for Research on Democracy (CREDO), the research programme of the Chair in Gender Politics (SARChI) and the Centre for International and Comparative Politics (CICP) each play a distinct role in contributing to a deeper understanding of, and engagement with democracy and human rights. 

I find the study of political behaviour fascinating as it emphasises the significance of each person's unique approach to politics, particularly regarding their vote choice. It shifts attention from macro-level explanations of democracy to the individual perspective, providing a more layered understanding of democratic norms and behaviours.

* This article forms part of a series highlighting academic perspectives on democracy. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Stellenbosch University. The University is committed to academic freedom and the open exchange of ideas.