This discussion on @anneapplebaum's book Twilight of Democracy included some important and interesting insights on the changing nature of conservatism. How did we go from the vision of a 1999 West, with democratic forces strong in Eastern Europe, to now? 1/ https://twitter.com/LSEIRDept/status/1285560655941173251

The focus on those left behind by globalisation has omitted a look at the intellectual conservatives, who now sit in a very different place from where they were 20 years ago. Politics is now part of a vast bombardment of information, surrounded by entertainment and marketing. 2/

In this noise, what comes through in social media are things that draw out emotion, those things that make people angriest. For me, it explains why I keep getting sent videos by different old friends, rather than text discussions... "you've got to see this!" 3/

In this noise, leaders who promise to bring back stability and order have an advantage, and can activate nostalgia for a simpler time. This looks a bit different from the 1930s - political action has moved to be Internet-based, something that is part of its changing nature. 4/

The protests in Portland fit into this environment. Why send in troops in a way that would certainly escalate conflict? Well, photos of conflict can be used by the president in his campaign material, in a law and order narrative. High use of tear gas conveys a war zone effect. 5/

The result is a kind of "performative authoritarianism," Applebaum says. A threat is posed to democracy, but it takes a form that is linked to the technology, and thus is different from what we have seen before. (See also work by @bjmoffitt.) 6/

The question for US democracy now relates to what happens in November. Much will depend, she says, on the nature of the rest of the Republican Party. Most Republicans won't want to think of themselves as anti-democrats, and will be uncomfortable if things go this direction. 7/

The role of social media and democracy is something we will need to take seriously in future. Disinformation works especially when there is social division, and when people don't trust their own institutions. Favoring good information is more effective than banning bad. 8/

Thanks to #LSEApplebaum @anneapplebaum for a very timely talk and material that will be useful to update my democracy classes. /End.