Accepting Quote by Mark Mazower
“Democracy suits Europeans today partly because it is associated with the triumph of capitalism and partly because it involves less commitment or intrusion into their lives than any of the alternatives. Europeans accept democracy because they no longer believe in politics. It is for this reason that we find both high levels of support for democracy in cross-national opinion polls and high rates of political apathy.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Dark Continent: Europe’s Twentieth‑Century History, 1998
Democracy is popular in Europe because it aligns with capitalism and feels less intrusive, while political disengagement rises as people lose faith in politics.
In simple terms: Europeans favor democracy for economic and personal freedom, yet are politically apathetic.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the gap between support for democracy and active political engagement.
Themes
political apathy
democracy
capitalism
European identity
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- elections
- public policy debates
- community organizing
- media consumption
Key Concepts
social contract
political legitimacy
civic disengagement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies encourage active participation without sacrificing personal freedom?
- What risks arise when political apathy coexists with strong democratic support?
A Different Perspective
Support for democracy may mask underlying disengagement and lack of accountability.
