Epilogue: Leadership and Democracy in Times of Crisis, and Beyond

The epilogue examines the intricate relationship between leadership and democracy in times of crisis, providing a forward-looking perspective on the future of democratic leadership. It discusses how crises, such as economic recession or political instability, can create opportunities for new forms of leadership to emerge—often characterised by greater personal appeal and direct engagement with the electorate. It also considers the potential challenges these developments pose to democratic governance, particularly the risk of authoritarianism and the erosion of traditional democratic institutions. The epilogue concludes by outlining potential research avenues to better understand the evolving dynamics of leadership and democracy and argues for a more nuanced approach to these phenomena in the context of contemporary global challenges.