Democracy Under Threat

I've written about this before, but I'm expanding on it.

Democracy, as a political system, has a long and complex history, and its evolution has been influenced by various factors over time. The concept of democracy dates back to ancient times in some societies, but its development as a dominant political system occurred more recently in the context of modern nation-states. It's a relatively new experiment.

The Athenian democracy of ancient Greece is often considered one of the earliest and most well-known examples of direct democracy, dating back to the 5th century BCE. However, it was limited in scope and only applied to male citizens of Athens, excluding women, slaves, and non-citizens. 

In the centuries that followed, various forms of democratic governance appeared in different regions and cultures. However, it wasn't until the late 18th and 19th centuries that modern representative democracies began to emerge. 

The American Revolution (1775-1783) and the subsequent creation of the United States Constitution in 1787 established one of the earliest modern representative democracies. It served as a significant example for other nations and inspired movements for democracy around the world. 

The French Revolution (1789-1799) also played a crucial role in promoting democratic ideals, although its path was tumultuous, leading to periods of authoritarian rule as well. The 19th century saw the gradual expansion of democratic principles in Europe and the Americas. 

During the 20th century, the two World Wars and the rise and fall of authoritarian regimes further highlighted the appeal of democratic governance. After World War II, many countries adopted democratic systems as they rebuilt and sought to avoid the tragedies of the past. 

The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked another significant turning point, leading to the spread of democracy in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, although that has been set back with Russia reverting to autocracy after a very short time playing with democracy. Where that ends is currently anyone's guess.

Democracy has, however, continued to gain popularity and acceptance as a legitimate form of government worldwide, but it's essential to note that the level of democracy and its implementation can vary widely across countries, and challenges persist in many regions as nations strive to strengthen democratic institutions and principles. 

While democracy has become more widespread, it is crucial to recognise that it still coexists with other political systems in various parts of the world. Democracy has faced, and continues to face, various threats. Some of the main reasons why democracy is increasingly under threat include: 

• Erosion of democratic norms: Over time, democratic institutions and norms are weakened due to political polarization, the rise of populism and the erosion of checks and balances. When leaders or political parties prioritize short-term gains over democratic principles, it undermines the stability and integrity of democratic systems. 
• Rise of authoritarianism: In some regions, there has been a resurgence of authoritarianism and a pushback against democratic values. Autocratic leaders may use populist rhetoric or manipulate democratic processes to consolidate power and restrict civil liberties. 
• Digital misinformation and manipulation: The advent of social media and the internet has led to the spread of disinformation and fake news, which can influence public opinion and undermine trust in democratic institutions. Foreign actors or domestic groups might exploit these platforms to sow discord and disrupt democratic processes. 
• Inequality and economic challenges: Economic inequality leads to social unrest and undermines faith in the ability of democratic systems to address the needs of all citizens. Populist movements exploit these grievances to gain support and challenge democratic norms. 
• Threats to press freedom: A free press is crucial for a well-functioning democracy. When journalists face intimidation, harassment, or censorship, it hampers their ability to hold power accountable and provide citizens with accurate information. 
• Democratic backsliding: In some cases, elected leaders or governments slowly chip away at democratic institutions, consolidating power and undermining democratic principles without outright abolishing the system. 
• Voter apathy: According to data from the Pew Research Center, voter turnout in national elections in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK has declined by 10-20 percentage points since the 1980s. Our governments rarely have a mandate then exceeds 1/3rd of the total electorate. I have written on this previously.
• Election interference: Foreign actors attempt to influence or interfere in democratic processes, such as elections, to sow discord and undermine public trust in democratic institutions. 
• Global challenges: Issues like climate change, migration, and terrorism can put pressure on democratic systems to respond effectively. Failure to address these challenges lead to a loss of faith in democratic governance. 

There is a very definite drift to populist authoritarianism in the West. Democracy is a young and ongoing project that requires constant vigilance and engagement from citizens, policymakers, and institutions to safeguard its principles and values if we're not to end up sleep-walking into the Russian system. We're on that trajectory, but that's not to say it's inevitable.

As for Trump saying the cases against him are politically motivated - you bet they are. They're motivated by a desire to protect democracy from politicians who believe they should not be accountable to the electorate, and that's political.

When you think about it, Putin raids his country's wealth without the permission of the electorate, as he fiddles the votes. In Britain, the Conservatives raid the country's wealth with the permission of the electorate, as we keep voting for them in what are, on the whole, free and fair elections.