According to an Economist study, the state of democracy in the world has deteriorated. The increasing number of violent conflicts would have seriously damaged the global value of democracy. Authoritarians, on the other hand, are on the rise again.
45.7 percent of the world’s population lives in some form of democracy, of which only 7.8 percent live in a “full democracy.” However, 39.4 percent live under authoritarian rule. Just like last year, Norway, New Zealand and Iceland took the top places. North Korea, Myanmar and Afghanistan were at the bottom.
Western Europe is doing better
“This global deterioration in the state of democracy was mainly driven by negative developments in non-democracies, such as the increase in violent conflict and authoritarian attacks there,” the report said in a statement. ‘Authoritarian regimes’ have become increasingly entrenched and countries classified as ‘hybrid regimes’ are finding it difficult to democratise.
In contrast to all other regions in the world, the average value for Western Europe improved slightly. But the political landscape in America and Europe as a whole has become further polarized, the study concluded. “In more and more countries, confidence in established political parties and their governments is declining.”
Polarization causes democratic erosion
It was said that “culture wars” have been going on in the US for a long time. “Western Europe suffers from low trust in government and is polarized on immigration.”
Political polarization can also be observed in many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. “Rising violent crime has led voters to accept an erosion of democratic norms and civil liberties in exchange for the security of authoritarian-led governments,” the report said.
An example is Central American El Salvador. There, President Nayib Bukele is using his success in reducing crime to expand his authoritarian power and undermine civil liberties.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
