The Wobbling of Democracy: Lessons from the Millennium Footbridge
On June 10, 2000, London unveiled the Millennium Footbridge, an innovative pedestrian crossing that gracefully spans the River Thames. Designed to resemble a ribbon of steel suspended between cables, the bridge promised to be a modern marvel. However, as throngs of pedestrians began to traverse the new structure, it soon became apparent that something was amiss. The bridge exhibited alarming side-to-side swaying that raised concerns among engineers and onlookers alike.
The root cause of this instability was traced back to how the bridge had been engineered. Initially, it was designed with the assumption that pedestrians would move in a random fashion, their individual movements effectively counterbalancing each other. However, in reality, when people walk in large groups, they naturally synchronize their steps, which led to an amplification of the swaying. The city quickly realized the need for an extensive and costly renovation after just two days of operation, shutting it down to address the design flaws.
This incident has made me reflect on the concept of stability, particularly regarding democratic systems. Recently, I penned a piece for Times Magazine that delved deep into the intricate game theory underlying democracy. It examined what maintains the delicate equilibrium of democratic governance and what factors can push it off balance or even lead to its collapse. As I contemplated these themes, I began to visualize various democratic systems as suspension bridges, with checks and balances acting as the essential cables that hold them together.
- In Hungary, a peculiar aspect of the country’s constitution inadvertently granted Prime Minister Viktor Orban a supermajority in parliament. This power allowed him to amend the constitution at will, effectively enabling him to insulate himself from electoral challenges. As a result, Orban systematically dismantled liberal democracy, transforming the judiciary and media into mere extensions of his authority rather than independent checks on his power.
- Similarly, in Venezuela, the democratic equilibrium faced catastrophic challenges due to a pivotal supreme court ruling during Hugo Chávez’s presidency. Chávez proposed a referendum aimed at replacing the existing constitution—a move that was arguably illegal, as it contravened established procedures for constitutional amendments. However, the court acquiesced to Chávez’s request, thereby facilitating his consolidation of power over Venezuela’s key institutions. He maintained control for 14 years until his death, and his chosen successor, Nicolás Maduro, continues to govern.
These examples illustrate the fragility of democratic systems and how easily they can sway out of balance under pressure. Just as the Millennium Footbridge needed careful engineering to maintain stability, so too do democracies require robust structures of governance to withstand the forces that threaten their integrity.
