Democracy stands as a cornerstone of modern governance, embodying the collective will of the people and fostering a society built on principles of equality, liberty, and justice. In an era marked by diverse global challenges, the significance of democratic institutions cannot be overstated. From safeguarding human rights to promoting socio-economic development, democracy serves as a beacon of hope, offering avenues for citizen participation, accountability, and the pursuit of a better future. However with the changing times and unreal expectation, democracy is eradicating and losing its significance for many developed and developing nations. People are having strong desire and expect it to be fulfilled within a stipulated time frame. The sheer speed of the desire is so strong democracies are failing to live upto such expectations in most occasions. The ideals of left ideologies are a stumbling block for democracies to succeed. Across the globe, a greater number of individuals express dissatisfaction with the condition of democracy in their respective nations compared to those who are satisfied. This discontent stems from frustration with political elites, economic grievances, and apprehension regarding swift social transformations, all of which have ignited political turmoil in various regions in recent times. Both right-wing and left-wing anti-establishment figures, parties, and movements have surfaced, in certain instances challenging the foundational principles and structures of liberal democracy. In recent times, citizens of many countries, increasingly view authoritarian leaders as more dependable than democratic politicians. There’s a growing global scepticism towards the effectiveness of democratic governance, particularly in managing economic affairs. Ironically, the liberal democratic framework inadvertently undermines the very economic growth vital for its sustainability. The core issue lies in the prevalence of short-term thinking deeply ingrained in the political and business ethos of modern democracies. Western politicians, constrained by relatively brief terms typically less than five years, face constant interruptions due to electoral cycles, diverting attention from addressing long-term policy challenges. Consequently, politicians are incentivized to prioritize short[1]term gains, resorting to economic policies aimed at quickly boosting monthly indicators like inflation, unemployment, and GDP, to appease their electorates. One of the primary hindrances to efficient governance is the short electoral cycle ingrained in numerous democratic systems. Frequent elections often compromise policymaking, as politicians, motivated by the pragmatic aim of winning elections, prioritize short-term solutions that may undermine long-term progress. Consequently, they overlook addressing more entrenched, enduring economic challenges, such as declining education standards, impending pension crises, and deteriorating physical infrastructure, which do not offer immediate political benefits.
Complexity of democracy in Europe
Democracy, a cherished principle of governance, has long been heralded as the pinnacle of societal organization. Yet, in the context of European nations, its effects have not always been uniformly positive. Assessments of the effectiveness of democracy vary significantly among nations. For instance, in Europe, according to a survey, over six out of ten Swedes and Dutch citizens express satisfaction with the current state of democracy, whereas substantial majorities in Italy, Spain, and Greece express dissatisfaction. Many people believe that elections bring about minimal change, perceive politicians as corrupt and disconnected from the populace, and perceive the judicial system as unfair. Conversely, there is a more positive outlook on the effectiveness of their countries in safeguarding free expression, providing economic opportunities, and ensuring public safety. Immigration has emerged as a highly contentious issue in Europe, particularly since 2015, when there was a significant influx of refugees from the Middle East and other regions. Throughout the region, concerns about the integration of immigrants into society are closely tied to dissatisfaction with democracy. In six European countries, individuals who believe that immigrants prefer to maintain their distinctiveness rather than adopting the customs of the host country are more likely to express dissatisfaction with democracy. From a security standpoint, porous borders resulting from ineffective immigration enforcement raise concerns about terrorism, organized crime, and public safety. In democracies, adherence to human rights and humanitarian principles often complicates efforts to secure borders effectively. Stringent immigration policies face resistance from advocacy groups and civil liberties organizations, constraining governments’ ability to enforce strict border control measures. Additionally, the influx of migrants and refugees has tested the limits of European democracies’ capacity for integration. Tensions arise as native populations grapple with issues of cultural assimilation, exacerbating social fissures and breeding xenophobic sentiments. Illegal immigration poses economic burdens on European countries, straining public resources and welfare systems. The democratic imperative to uphold humanitarian values clashes with fiscal constraints, as governments navigate the delicate balance between social welfare provision and budgetary sustainability. Further, the advent of democracy has also catalyzed political polarization within European societies. Divisive ideologies, fuelled by partisan rhetoric and media sensationalism, have fragmented communities and eroded social cohesion. The rise of populism exemplifies this trend, threatening the stability of democratic institutions. Moreover, democratic governance often succumbs to short-term electoral pressures, leading to unsustainable fiscal policies. Politicians prioritize appeasing constituents over prudent economic management, resulting in ballooning deficits and precarious fiscal positions. In December 2023, the European Commission introduced a Defense of Democracy package in anticipation of the 2024 European elections. At the core of this package lies a legislative proposal designed to bolster transparency and democratic accountability regarding interest representation activities conducted by third countries. These activities target the influencing of policies, decision-making processes, and the overall democratic landscape. Additionally, the package includes two recommendations aimed at fostering free, fair, and robust elections, as well as encouraging the involvement of citizens and civil society organizations in policy formulation. The primary objective of this package is to address the threat of foreign interference by promoting greater transparency, while simultaneously encouraging civic engagement and citizen participation in our democratic systems.
Democratic erosion in US
Even in recent years, the United States has witnessed troubling trends indicating a decline in its democratic institutions. This erosion manifests in two significant forms: election manipulation and executive overreach. Democratic erosion has become increasingly apparent in USA, raising concerns about the health of its democracy. The prevalence of election manipulation erodes trust in the electoral process and undermines the legitimacy of elected representatives. It also weakens democratic institutions by fostering a climate of skepticism and disenchantment among the populace. The United States has grappled with allegations of election manipulation, including foreign interference in national elections and contentious debates over voter ID laws and redistricting efforts. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of democratic systems to external influence and internal manipulation. Throughout U.S. history, there have been instances of executive overreach, ranging from controversial executive orders to assertions of executive privilege. Recent examples include debates over presidential authority in matters of national security, immigration policy, and emergency declarations.
The erosion of democratic norms and institutions in the United States is influenced by several factors:
Political Polarization: Divisive political rhetoric and partisan gridlock exacerbate societal divisions and weaken consensus[1]building efforts. Influence of Special Interests: Powerful interest groups and lobbyists exert undue influence on policymakers, undermining the democratic principle of equal representation. Weakening of Checks and Balances: The erosion of institutional checks and balances allows for the concentration of power in the hands of a few, compromising the separation of powers central to democratic governance. While democracy remains a cherished ideal, its significance is undeniably waning in the face of contemporary challenges and shifting societal expectations. To revitalize democracy and ensure its relevance in the 21st century, concerted efforts are needed to address issues such as technological disruption, political polarization, and the erosion of democratic norms. By embracing innovation, fostering inclusive dialogue, and defending democratic values, societies can reaffirm the enduring importance of democracy in an ever-changing world.