For much of the late 20th century, democracy seemed to be on the march, spreading to more and more countries around the globe. In recent years, however, this trend has reversed. Ac
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-08-30
For much of the late 20th century, democracy seemed to be on the march, spreading to more and more countries around the globe. In recent years, however, this trend has reversed. According to organisations that track global freedom, democracy is in retreat. Established democracies are facing profound internal stresses, while newer ones are sliding back towards authoritarianism. This phenomenon, often called "democratic backsliding," is driven by a complex mix of pressures, from populist leaders and political polarisation to economic inequality and foreign interference.
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The Rise of "Illiberal Democracy"
Democratic backsliding often doesn't happen overnight through a military coup. Instead, it is a gradual process where elected leaders systematically dismantle the institutions that constrain their power. This has given rise to what some call "illiberal democracy" or "hybrid regimes." In these countries, elections still occur, giving the government a veneer of legitimacy, but the essential elements of a liberal democracy are hollowed out from within.
Leaders in these systems typically work to weaken or control the other sources of power in society. They may pack the courts with loyalist judges, turning the judiciary into a rubber stamp for their policies. They often attack the free press, labelling critical journalists as "enemies of the people" and promoting state-sponsored propaganda. They also may change electoral rules to make it harder for the opposition to win. The result is a system that maintains the form of democracy (elections) without its substance (checks and balances, protection of rights). Countries like Hungary and Turkey are often cited as prime examples of this trend.
One of the key drivers of democratic decay is the rise of populism. Populist leaders claim to speak for the "true people" against a corrupt and out-of-touch elite. They often use nationalist rhetoric, creating an "us versus them" narrative that blames minorities, immigrants, or other groups for the country's problems. Because populists claim to represent the authentic will of the people, they often view democratic institutions like independent courts, a free media, and expert civil servants as illegitimate obstacles that must be overcome.
This rise in populism is closely linked to political polarisation. This is more than just disagreement over policy; it is a deep division of society into mutually distrustful "tribes." As polarisation intensifies, people on opposing political sides increasingly view each other not as fellow citizens with different opinions, but as immoral enemies. This makes political compromise, which is essential for a functioning democracy, nearly impossible. It also makes people more willing to excuse anti-democratic behaviour from their own side, as long as it helps them "win" against the other.
Democracy is built on the ideal of political equality—one person, one vote. However, extreme economic inequality can corrode this principle. When a very small percentage of the population controls a vast amount of wealth, they can also wield disproportionate political power. Wealthy individuals and corporations can fund political campaigns, hire armies of lobbyists to influence legislation, and own media outlets that shape public opinion.
When the majority of citizens feel that the political system is rigged and no longer responds to their needs, their faith in democracy erodes. This can lead to political apathy, where people stop participating, or to anger and desperation, making them more susceptible to the appeals of populist leaders who promise to smash the "corrupt system."
Democracies are also facing unprecedented threats from the outside. Authoritarian states, most notably Russia and China, have engaged in sophisticated disinformation campaigns to weaken their democratic rivals. Using social media, troll farms, and state-controlled media, they spread false narratives, conspiracy theories, and divisive content within other countries. The goal is not necessarily to promote one candidate over another, but to sow chaos, increase polarisation, and undermine citizens' trust in their own democratic processes, institutions, and elections. This represents a new form of information warfare waged directly on a society's trust and cohesion.
Democracy is not a machine that runs on its own; it requires constant maintenance and defence. Strengthening democracy against these pressures involves several key actions. Protecting a free and independent press is crucial so that journalists can hold power accountable and provide citizens with reliable information. Ensuring the independence of the judiciary is essential to uphold the rule of law.
Furthermore, education plays a vital role. Promoting media and digital literacy can help citizens learn to identify and resist disinformation. Encouraging civic education can foster a greater understanding of democratic principles and the importance of active participation. Ultimately, the resilience of a democracy depends on its citizens—their willingness to engage in respectful debate, to vote, to protest injustice, and to stand up for the institutions and norms that protect their freedom.
Modern democracies are under significant pressure from a combination of internal and external threats. Democratic backsliding, often leading to "illiberal democracies," is driven by populist leaders, deep political polarisation, and corrosive economic inequality. At the same time, foreign disinformation campaigns seek to undermine trust and sow division. Defending democracy requires a robust commitment to protecting its core institutions, such as a free press and an independent judiciary, and requires the active and informed participation of its citizens.