Democracy Under Pressure

Introduction

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.

Learning objectives

After reading this article, you should be able to:

• Define the concepts of "democratic backsliding" and "illiberal democracy."
• Identify key internal threats to democracy, such as populism, polarisation, and inequality.
• Describe how external threats, like disinformation campaigns, can weaken democratic systems.
• Analyse the role of a free press and independent judiciary in protecting democracy.
• Discuss actions citizens can take to help strengthen and defend democratic institutions.

The Rise of "Illiberal Democracy" …