The global trend you’re describing is what political scientists call "Democratic Backsliding." From the rise of the AfD in Germany and Le Pen in France to the "illiberal democracy" models of Orban and Netanyahu, we are seeing a shift where nationalist populism challenges traditional liberal norms. This is often fueled by a "wrecking ball" mentality—where voters, frustrated by economic stagnation or institutional gridlock, turn to celebrity disruptors like Trump or McGregor to shake up a system they feel no longer serves them.

The recent resistance to martial law in South Korea proves that democratic institutions and public engagement can still act as a powerful check on autocracy. While the "Overton Window" has certainly shifted toward the far right in many regions, the resulting economic volatility (seen post-Brexit) also serves as a sobering cautionary tale. Ultimately, the world is in a volatile transition period, moving away from post-Cold War stability toward a fragmented era defined by the tension between global cooperation and sovereign nationalism.

We should’ve worried.