Across the globe, democracy is facing unprecedented threats as nearly 90% of countries that have attempted democratic U-turns since 1994 have failed to maintain their democratic status for even five years. This alarming reality, highlighted in recent research, underscores a growing trend of democratic backsliding fueled by authoritarian holdovers and political incentives that prioritize power retention over genuine democratic reform.
Democratic Resilience Is a Myth
As reported by the Journal of Democracy, the notion of democratic resilience is misleading. Many nations, including Brazil, Bangladesh, and Poland, are cited as having successfully returned to democratic governance after authoritarian regimes. However, the reality suggests that these so-called recoveries are often superficial, masking deeper issues that prevent true democratic stability.
Brazil's Fragile Democracy
Take Brazil, for instance. The 2022 election saw former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeat Jair Bolsonaro, who employed numerous undemocratic tactics during his tenure. Yet, just two years later, Lula's administration struggles under the weight of Bolsonaro's legacy. The polarization and distrust sown during Bolsonaro's presidency remain palpable, with many citizens still clinging to false narratives about election fraud. The clear challenge is that while Lula's government represents a return to democracy, it has not sufficiently addressed the underlying fractures that threaten to erupt once again.
Consequences of Authoritarian Holdovers
One of the most insidious legacies of authoritarian rule is the embedding of repressive legal frameworks and personnel within political institutions. According to the findings published in the Brazil's Democratic Resilience, even brief periods of autocratization can leave lasting scars on democratic practices. In many nations, including Poland and Bangladesh, attempts to reverse authoritarian policies face significant hurdles, particularly when key judicial and political positions remain occupied by loyalists from the previous regime.
Political Incentives Favor Power Retention
New governments often inherit extensive powers from their autocratic predecessors and face overwhelming temptation to retain these powers for their political survival. This is especially true in politically volatile regions where public trust in democracy is low. For example, in Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema's administration has begun to roll back its earlier commitments to democratic reforms, succumbing to pressures that prioritize immediate political gains over long-term democratic integrity. Such decisions reflect a broader pattern where leaders, despite their democratic rhetoric, opt for consolidating power rather than fostering an accountable governance structure.
Polish parliament's first session since election heralds new ...
The International Context Deteriorates
The environment for democracy promotion has significantly weakened in recent years. With authoritarian regimes like China and Russia providing alternative governance models, many nations have shifted their focus away from democratic values. As highlighted in various studies, including insights from Georgetown University, the decline in commitment to democracy from Western powers has emboldened autocratic leaders worldwide. Citizens are increasingly disillusioned with democratic institutions, leading to a dangerous cycle where the allure of authoritarianism becomes more pronounced.
Social Polarization Fuels Authoritarian Sentiment
Rising social polarization around identity issues exacerbates the vulnerability of democratic systems. As citizens express dissatisfaction with their governments, they may turn to populist leaders who promise quick solutions, even if it means sacrificing democratic principles. The case of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador illustrates this trend; despite his authoritarian tendencies and human rights abuses, his approval ratings remain astonishingly high, revealing a troubling acceptance of autocratic governance during turbulent times.
Urgent Need for Democratic Reforms
The implications of this analysis highlight an urgent need for robust democratic reforms that can withstand the pressures of authoritarianism. Countries must prioritize strengthening their democratic institutions, ensuring judicial independence, and safeguarding electoral integrity. Recent constitutional amendments in Germany and Norway serve as models for how nations can proactively protect their democratic frameworks. Yet, the reality remains that many governments are failing to take these necessary steps, leaving their political systems vulnerable to the whims of authoritarian resurgence.
As the evidence mounts, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that claims of democratic resilience often serve to obscure a deeper crisis. The time is now for activists, policymakers, and citizens to unite in demanding comprehensive reforms that can prevent another authoritarian turn and fortify the foundations of democracy for generations to come.
Sheikh Hasina Wazed | Biography, Resignation, Father, & Facts ...
