Demian Sahputra
BERLIN – The political world is once again stirred by the sharp analysis of Jan-Werner Muller, a prominent political scientist, who warns of a new tactic by autocrats. They, says Muller, maintain the facade of elections for legitimacy, but systematically close down essential spaces where fundamental democratic rights can be practiced. This statement emerged in an in-depth interview that also highlighted architectural power gestures and the fierce criticism by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party against the cultural icon Bauhaus.
According to Muller, this phenomenon demonstrates the cunning nature of modern autocratic regimes' strategies. They no longer require overt military coups or the cancellation of elections. Instead, they operate within democracy's 'gray areas', where institutions remain but the substance of freedom slowly erodes. This is a far more subtle threat, yet potentially more damaging to the foundations of global democracy in 2026.
Many autocrats still hold elections, Muller revealed, but they close off the spaces where democratic fundamental rights can be practiced. This closure of spaces is not always physical. It can manifest in restrictions on press freedom, excessive surveillance of civil society, or the marginalization of opposition voices through unfair regulations.
The concept of 'architectural power gestures' forms another core part of his exposition. Muller explained how urban design, the construction of monuments, or even the restructuring of cultural institutions can become tools to assert a particular ideological dominance or suppress alternative narratives. These are physical representations of systematic attempts to control public space and collective thought.
One specific example he raised is the AfD's criticism of the Bauhaus movement. Bauhaus, born in Germany after World War I, symbolizes modernism, functionalism, and internationalism. The AfD, a party with a nationalistic-conservative orientation that is increasingly prominent in Germany – even dominating polls in states like Saxony-Anhalt – views Bauhaus as representing cultural 'degeneration' or foreign influences incompatible with 'authentic' German identity.
AfD's criticism of Bauhaus is not merely an aesthetic debate. It is part of a broader campaign to reshape German cultural identity, rejecting what they consider a liberal and progressive legacy, and replacing it with a more conservative and insular narrative. Politicians like Merz have even issued stern warnings about the AfD being a real threat to German democracy.
Such movements, according to Muller, also demonstrate a certain helplessness of some anti-populist strategies. Mainstream parties often struggle to counter populist tactics that embrace simple narratives, mass emotions, and criticism of elites. When spaces for rational and factual discussion are narrowed, the response to populism becomes increasingly complex.
Governments in many countries today, including those considered democratic, need to be wary of these autocratic strategies. In Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka are expected to continue keeping democratic spaces wide open and public participation substantial, avoiding the trap of 'facade democracy'.
The implications of Muller's analysis extend far beyond Germany's borders. Globally, we are witnessing a trend where leaders, once democratically elected, slowly dismantle the institutions that limit their power. This creates hybrid systems that are difficult to categorize, where elections persist, but fair competition, freedom of expression, and minority rights become casualties.
Protecting democracy means more than just ensuring ballot boxes exist. It also means safeguarding the integrity of cultural institutions, academic freedom, media pluralism, and citizens' ability to assemble and express opinions without fear. The battle for democracy is now shifting to a more subtle terrain, where symbols and narratives become key weapons.
Editorial Insight: Jan-Werner Muller's analysis offers a crucial perspective on the evolution of threats to democracy. In this year 2026, the focus is no longer solely on obvious external threats but on internal erosion carried out by actors operating under the guise of electoral legitimacy. The AfD's criticism of Bauhaus serves as a clear case study of how ideological battles can extend into the realm of culture and architecture, influencing how societies view history and national identity. Identifying and countering these 'architectural power gestures' and covert restrictions on democratic spaces is an urgent challenge for defenders of democracy worldwide.
