The Decline of Democracy: A Reflection

 The Decline of Democracy: A Reflection

   Rahul Ramya

     12.07.2024

Introduction

We have numerous reasons to believe that democracy is declining worldwide in the face of right-wing, far-right, or far-left movements. Despite the universal question of why this is happening, I have a few  thoughts to offer in response. Before democracy, there was no other system of governance designed to serve the common people. Democracy was the first system meant to address the needs of the common people and deliver for them. However, when democracy fails to deliver for the common people, they become disenchanted with it.

The Common People's Disenchantment

Common people generally have little interest in politics and policy-making. They are more interested in systems that deliver tangible benefits to them. When these benefits start to dry up, they begin to drift away from democracy. The question arises: why do common people remain disinterested in hardcore politics, even when politics is supposed to address their expectations?

One reason is the complexity and perceived inaccessibility of political processes. For example, in the United States, voter turnout is often low, particularly among lower-income and less-educated citizens. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the cumbersome registration process, the feeling that individual votes do not matter, and the perception that politicians are not genuinely interested in the welfare of ordinary people. Similarly, in countries like India, the sheer scale of bureaucracy and corruption can alienate citizens from engaging with democratic processes.

 The Need for Civic Education

The areas of interest for common people are heavily dominated by their daily needs and their present and future well-being. Understanding the nuances of governance and policies requires strong civic education. Only well-informed citizens can create leaders who will work to deliver benefits for them.

Civic education plays a crucial role in this regard. For instance, in Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark, there is a strong emphasis on civic education from an early age. This education helps citizens understand their rights and responsibilities, the functioning of their government, and the importance of their participation in the democratic process. As a result, these countries tend to have high voter turnout and robust democratic institutions.

In contrast, in many developing countries, civic education is often inadequate or entirely absent. This lack of education can leave citizens vulnerable to manipulation by populist leaders who exploit their fears and insecurities. For example, in the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte has used a tough-on-crime rhetoric to garner support, despite accusations of human rights abuses and undermining democratic institutions.

 Contributors to Declining Democracy

The weakening of the delivery system of democracy and the lack of civic education are two major contributors to the decline of democracy. Without effective delivery and strong civic education, the common people cannot fully engage with or support the democratic process.

In recent years, several democracies have experienced significant challenges. In Brazil, for example, political corruption scandals have eroded public trust in democratic institutions, leading to the rise of populist leaders who promise swift, often authoritarian solutions. Similarly, in Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has systematically undermined democratic checks and balances, consolidating power and curbing freedoms.

Moreover, the rise of misinformation and propaganda, especially through social media, has further weakened democratic norms. In the United States, the 2016 and 2020 elections were marred by widespread misinformation campaigns, which fueled polarization and eroded trust in the electoral process.

In conclusion, the decline of democracy is a complex phenomenon with multiple contributing factors. The disenchantment of common people, driven by a lack of tangible benefits and a weak delivery system, combined with inadequate civic education, has paved the way for authoritarian and populist movements. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to improve governance, strengthen civic education, and rebuild trust in democratic institutions.