DOI: 10.47743/jss-2025-71-4-13

Faculty of Law, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iași.

Abstract: In a post-truth world, marked by a growing tendency toward extremist politics that offer seemingly clear and transparent solutions to citizens' concerns, public opinion becomes inevitably polarised between fervent supporters and vocal opponents. The question “Whom should I vote for?” reveals a deeper uncertainty—one that reflects both widespread political instability and the fragility of legal systems in identifying effective instruments to confront internal crises and the transformations brought about by globalisation, particularly in the sphere of fundamental human rights. Urgent issues such as economic instability, migration, and social inequalities demand an integrative approach to universal human rights values within national legislative frameworks. In this context, the paper will critically explore the concepts of fundamental human rights, the rule of law, and democracy as central guarantees of individual protection during periods of systemic disruption. In his book The Last Days of the West, Matei Vișniec offers a bleak portrayal of a declining Western world, characterised by a vulnerable legal system and, consequently, by austerity-driven measures imposed under the guise of reform. Despite the legislative changes undertaken, the viability of such measures—claimed to be both effective and equitable—remains open to debate when it comes to the actual protection of citizens.

Key words: fundamental right, rule of law, political instability, globalisation, legal systems, democracy.

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