When words become weapons: How hate speech threatens democracy (International Idea)

The article at hand examines the growing danger that hate speech poses to democratic institutions, highlighting how it weakens social cohesiveness, incites violence, and silences dissident voices. It highlights the common misunderstanding that restricting hate speech violates free speech by making a distinction between protected free expression and unlawful incitement, drawing on empirical evidence and international legal frameworks. With case studies from Russia and Belarus illustrating state-sponsored incitement, the analysis shows how hate discourse creates the ideological foundation for hate crimes and authoritarianism. It also looks at how hate is spread online and the EU’s regulatory reactions to this issue. The paper ends by highlighting efforts by civil society actors that foster inclusive discourse and resilience against extremist narratives, as well as arguing for multifaceted approaches—legal, educational, and civic—that uphold democratic norms while combating hatred.

https://www.idea.int/news/when-words-become-weapons-how-hate-speech-threatens-democracy