“When Democracies Autocratise” Critical Examination: Dangers to Democracy in a Worldwide Setting”
“Polarization is increasing to toxic levels, as respect for legitimate opposition and pluralism declines, while autocratic leaders are increasingly using misinformation, repression of civil society and media censorship to empower their agendas”
The UNDP article, "Threats to Democracy are Growing, as Global Freedom Declines" gives a thorough analysis of the mounting demands on democratic regimes across the globe. It presents a harsh picture of how global democracy is currently faring, stressing the emergence of authoritarianism, the evolving character of autocratization, and the intricate relationship between crises and governance. By weighing the catastrophic predictions against the examples of democratic resilience, this analysis aims to investigate the subtleties of the arguments made in the essay. Growing Authoritarianism and the Decline of Democracy Worldwide
The article shows a concerning trend: between 2016 and 2021, more countries moved towards authoritarianism than democracy, marking the 16th year in a row that global freedom has decreased. This number is concerning because it shows how the political landscape has changed significantly. A basic disenchantment with democratic institutions is suggested by the fall in democracy satisfaction and the rise in support for powerful, unchecked leaders. Numerous issues, such as perceived inefficiencies in democratic governance, social injustice, and economic instability, may be the source of this unhappiness. The piece also discusses the surge in coups, noting that there will be six in 2021—a significant increase above the historical norm. This rise in coups suggests that political players are becoming increasingly willing to forgo democratic procedures in favour of more direct, frequently violent, methods of seizing power. These problems are made worse by the growing polarisation and disinformation tactics used by autocratic administrations to silence critics and manipulate public opinion.
Crises' Effects on Democratic Governance:
The article's study of how crises—in this case, the COVID-19 pandemic—have impacted democratic governance is a crucial component. At least 31 nations used military regulations or force to enforce restrictions on civil liberties, portraying the pandemic as a justification for many of their policies. Undoubtedly, certain limitations were required to handle the public health emergency; nonetheless, there is a great chance that these emergency powers will be abused, endangering democratic values in the long run. Another important consideration is the relationship between the advancement of gender equality and autocratization. The pushback against gender equality in a number of nations emphasises the relationship between social advancement and political regression, implying that positive changes in one domain may result in unfavourable outcomes in another, affecting the course of democratic growth as a whole.
Democracy's Adaptability and Resilience:
The paper does offer examples of democratic resilience in spite of these obstacles. Demonstrating that democratic institutions are capable of withstanding and reacting to direct threats, was the reaction to the attack on the US Capitol in 2021. In a similar vein, efforts to promote democratic governance may be seen in Brazil's preemptive actions to counteract disinformation prior to elections and Chile's efforts to establish a more inclusive democracy through a Constitutional Assembly. These answers are not without controversy, though. Though well-intentioned, the unilateral authority given to Brazil's elections head to eliminate false information from the internet raises questions about possible overreach and the balance of power. Despite being a step in the right direction, voters in Chile eventually rejected the proposed new constitution, highlighting the difficulties in implementing democratic reforms.
Keeping Democratic Principles and Crisis Management in Balance:
The inherent conflict between the necessity for efficient crisis management and the upholding of democratic norms is duly noted in the text. Most constitutions contain emergency clauses, which permit the government to take critical action in times of crisis but also provide room for possible abuses of authority. Finding governance models that are inclusive, responsible, and flexible at the same time is a challenge. Promising alternatives to traditional governance paradigms include decentralised autonomous organisations that make use of blockchain technology. Although there is still work to be done on their adoption and practical implementation, these platforms can guarantee openness and equal participation.
The piece offers a thorough synopsis of the current dangers to global democracy. Though the tendencies towards authoritarianism and the deterioration of democracy are alarming, there is some optimism because of the instances of democratic flexibility and resilience. Maintaining democratic values while ensuring effective government during emergencies is a difficult balance that calls for ongoing creativity and attention to detail. It is imperative that democratic countries create fair and inclusive social contracts going ahead in order to tackle today's issues and preserve democracy for coming generations.
Full article: https://www.undp.org/future-development/signals-spotlight-2023/when-democracies-autocratise