One of the most important lessons from the history of fascism is that democracies are rarely destroyed overnight. They are weakened gradually. Trust erodes. Institutions are undermined. Citizens become divided, cynical and disengaged. People retreat into tribes and begin to see each other not as neighbours but as enemies.

The good news is that the reverse is also true. Democracy strengthens gradually. Through countless acts of participation, solidarity, courage and community. So what can we do?