Causes of Worldwide Democracy Quality Decline in the Last Decade

This essay examines the reasons behind the global decline in the quality of democracy over the last decade. It identifies several contributing factors, including the inability of political leaders to adapt to modern contexts, growing economic inequality, and the rise of political lobbying and radicalism. The influence of money in politics, media manipulation, and internal conflicts within countries are also discussed as significant contributors. Furthermore, the essay highlights the suppression of individual voices, the failure of political parties to uphold democratic rights, increased political polarization, and the lack of interest from the younger generation as key elements in the democratic decline. The role of social media in spreading negativity and rumors, thereby affecting clarity in the political domain, is also analyzed. The essay concludes that a combination of these factors has significantly weakened democratic stability worldwide.

ESSAY

Why did the quality of democracy decrease worldwide during the last
decade?
Democracy can be characterised as a core concept which highlights upon the
authority, security and liberty of universal citizens. It is a value which facilitate the promotion
of human rights, dignity, equality and fairness among the global citizens. Democracy is a
right wherein individuals are provided with an opportunity to participate and showcase their
power by electing their respective representative or candidate through the process of
elections. In democracy, citizens are facilitated with the rights to vote for their most suitable
candidate and become an active part in forming the government (Stasavage, 2020). In the last
decade, democracy has faced major threats in all across the globe. The respective essay is
going to highly upon the several causes behind the degradation in quality of democracy over
the last decade. It will discuss the potential factors which have impacted upon the democratic
freedom of global citizens worldwide in an adverse mannerism.
There have been diverse set of implications that have contributed significantly in
hindering the democratic rights of people around the world. In the present day, it can be said
that democracy is in danger as its sole purpose which was to facilitate fair, justified and equal
opportunity to every individual to become the part of decision-making process when it comes
to participating in elections has been scrutinised through a deliberate attempt. The idea of
democracy was to provide individuals with the fair chance to become the part of framing the
government. The concept of democracy was to allow the citizens to possess control and their
fair share of involvement in framing the power that lead the nation so that no discriminatory
practice or inequality persists within the political stature.
As per the statistics of freedom in the country, it can be stated that the nations which
majorly got implicated through democratic crisis are high in comparison to the ones that are
democratically stable (Freedom in the world, 2021). For instance, Turkey can be a set
example to showcase the decline of democratic rule and acceleration of authoritative power.
It was a nation which was expected to flourish, however was demonised through the
democratic crisis in the last few years which lead to a major set back for the concerned nation
(The Decline and Fall of Turkish Democracy, 2017). There are several reasons for the decline
of democracy and in order to analyse causes for the set back faced by democracy, it is
necessary to study the potential triggers behind the same in an appropriate manner. This, in

turn can assist to ascertain the possible reasons which has led to the failure of democracy in
the last decade. The inability of political leaders to adapt to the modern day context and lead
their nations as per the constant reforms and evolutions has been a potential reason behind
several nations facing democratic crisis over the past years.
In addition to this, it can be stated that the growing economic inequality across several
regions in the world has been also a contributing factor which has led to the democratic
constraints in a severe manner. It has been evident that individuals with money possess a
potential power over the economic as well as political environment in the present day
context. Money plays a major role in regulating the political scenario all around the world.
There are situations wherein economic inequality leads to injustice and inequality which in
turn hampers the established democratic criterions adversely. Lobbying in politics is one of
the major issues which has been seen by individuals in the last decade (Chari, et.al, 2020).
Political lobbying results in destabilisation of democratic environment as well.
The growing economic inequality significantly leads to the acceleration of existing
radicalism within the society as well. The money influences the media as well as have certain
dominance and control over the news and controversies which comes into the limelight.
Radicalism can be defined as the ability of people in power to control what comes in the
public domain by exercising their political power or utilising their monetary considerations in
a false manner.
The past decade has been tremendously affected by the higher standards of radicalism
persisting in the environment. The fact that political leaders influences the innocent public by
reforming and revising the content which is generated for the public domain as per their own
selfish motives and requirements can be stated as a deliberate attempt made by the same to
distract the citizens from the existing concerns of the society. It can be said that positioning
of media is a major constituent when it comes to framing the mindsets of the global citizens
as they tend to believe and get highly influenced through the news outbreaks delivered by
media (Kidd, 2020). It somehow manipulates their thinking process as well shape their
opinions about a certain political situation or circumstance. In this manner, the democracy is
demonised to an extent wherein citizens are influenced ferociously and their focus shifts
towards unnecessary conflicts and dilemma. Therefore, it is right to state that the increasing
radicalism has been a severe reason which has led to the weakening of democracy.
The internal conflict and malign agendas of countries are also one of the reasons
which can be blamed for the decline of democracy. For example, an autocratic country like
China has faced major backlash from several parts of the world for its insincere and

inconsiderate attempt to violate the global peace by attempting to influence various other
national and international communities to adapt to the rigid and inflexible style of power
domination. The country has said to influence the other developing nations to follow a very
strict and autocratic form of leading the nation which in turn is expected to impact upon the
livelihood of citizen residing in these developing nations in an adverse mannerism (China
shapes narratives to defame democracy, promotes authoritarian governance globally, 2021).
The fundamental freedom of global citizens has been threatened by the undemocratic
practices seen in the last few years. It is the utmost right of an individual to express their
perspective, viewpoint and thought process. The suppression of individual voices and
oppression of citizens to stand for what is right is also a contributing reason through which
the democratic failure can be highlighted in a significant manner. The recent scenario of
Afghanistan can be stated as the apt example which signifies failure of political parties to
resort to the democratic rights of their citizens (The death of Democracy in Afghanistan
2021). The situation was an eye opener for several countries to realise that it is hard time that
they should amend an implement impactful and righteous governmental policies and control
mechanism which would assist in protecting the democratic rights of their citizens and
promoting the same in a vital manner.
The corrupt nations have also played their part in reducing the democratic influence in
the last decade. Through implementing policies and procedures which are undemocratic in
nature and falsely triggering for individuals in spreading unnecessary hate, crime and
injustice, the nations have significantly lead to hostile implications in elevating the decline of
democracy. The brutal and unfortunate governmental led campaign in Myanmar can be
stated as a highly disregarded and unethical practice promoted by a nation to promote the
culture of ethnic cleansing against a specific community (Myanmar Rohingya: What you
need to know about the crisis, 2020). Additionally, the unjustified response by the concerned
nation and the support provided by China to the same can also be marked as an example
which depicts the failure of democracy.
The increased political polarisation seen in the last decade has been a leading factor
behind democratic failure experienced across the globe. The diverging ideologies and
conflicting opinions driven by political parties among the citizens leads to a delusional
scenario which cause negative impact on decision making and implementation regularised by
the leading party. The political polarisation leads to a major barrier in the implementation of
varieties act, policy or procedure as no specific decision can be made which is favourable or
significant for the upliftment of the society as a whole. The reason behind the same is that

there are possible changes that a specific community or set of people may be ready to set
implication or act against the concerned practice or procedure because their ideology will not
be flexible to adopt the set practice. This, in turn results in hampering of overall prosperity
and peace within a respective nation.
The concept of political polarisation has contributed to corruption within the political
domain. It is quite evident that when majority of individuals are in support of a particular
leader only for the sake of support and following, they tend to ignore the corruption,
unethical practices and false acts attempted by the same. The leader feels more powerful due
to polarisation in politics and does not fear the criticism as he or she possess adequate support
and power through which they can escape the negative consequences associated with their
dishonest and discriminatory behaviour or practice. The idea and practice of polarisation
within political environment leads to a major threat to the democracy as it not only impacts
the rights of the citizens but also restricts the ability of political flexibilities and future scope
of development within the global political context. It arises the space for discrimination,
inequality, dishonesty and unethical behaviour by the end of the political leaders. The
concern practice has been followed over the years reluctantly and no effective attempt has
been showcased by any of the leading political governance to reduce the same within the
global context. Therefore, it is rightly to be said that political polarisation has been a
significant and consistent factor which has let its impact on reducing the democratic stability
around the globe.
Youth population can consider to be a major force that has the much needed
competency and mindset which can be capitalised when it comes to facilitating a positive
influence of democracy among the latter global world. However, the lack of interest and faith
of younger generation on the democratic scenario is also a major factor which has resulted in
the declination of democracy over the last ten years. It can be seen that today’s generation is
less motivated to join politics (Saud, Ida and Mashud, 2020). The reason behind that same is
the false propaganda and agendas circulated by the people in power among the young
individuals. The ideologies of current generation are highly diverse and conflicting when it
comes to the current political considerations facilitated in the world.
The presence of social media and other online platforms has really helped people to
voice their opinions in a right manner. The last decade saw a significant increase in the
utilisation of social media across the globe. The digitalisation was advanced in a highly
standardised manner which helped the global users of internet to acquire much needed
insights about their area of interest. It allowed individuals to facilitate access to the global

news and express their view point in consideration and regard to the same. Although, there
are several pros associated to the use of the online platform but when it comes to the
channellisation of democracy, it has negative implications as well. The online brawls and
fights have become a hot topic in the recent times. It is said that with great power, comes
great responsibility. There are several media houses and political parties which have used the
active platform to spread negativity and hate among the individuals. Certain social media
users also resort to spreading public violence and conflict through posting content which can
hurt the feelings and sentiments of a particular community, race or citizenship. This leads to
heated arguments among the users which sometime result in real life consequences which can
be a threat to the security of an individual as well. The rumours and speculations results in
confusion among the political domain. The clarity is adversely affected and the vision of the
citizens is also blurred through the same.
The individual striving to reduce the dominance of democracy have been constantly
trying to portray a false narrative of democratic ideologies among people. They are thriving
on the prospects that the decline of democracy has happened due to its inability and
inconvenience to live up to the expectations, needs and requirements of today’s world. It can
be said that the major cause behind the decline of democracy is also due to the inability and
incompetency of its interests’ holders to act rightly in order to protect and preserve the same.
The value of democracy is deteriorating as autocratic nations such as Russia and China are
the ones setting an example as how can authoritarian leadership practices could elevate the
economic growth as well global acceleration of a nation (How Russia and China Undermine
Democracy, 2017). The promotion of autocracy and the benefits in regard to the same are
being propagated in a manner which have straight impacted the significance of democracy in
the last couple of years.
The decline in the freedom of expression among the citizens is also one of the highly
significant reason which led to the delineation of democracy. The idea of self-expression has
been majorly hampered by the government all round the world. It was reported in Philippines
that during the pandemic period, the social media users which opted for their online platforms
to express their concerns and issues in regard with the lock down measures were harassed by
the governmental authorities. The ill treatment of social media users for expression of their
individual opinion and required action opted concerned government regulations was non-
appreciable. The respective scenario depicts the major issue which lies within the current
political system that any criticism against the ruling party is likely to result into major
threatening situation for the individuals taking a right stand against the same (This Is How

Democracy Dies, 2021). Any criticism against the nations performance is not something
which goes well with the interest holders of the political party which in turn creates an
environment of uncertainty, intolerance and lack of acceptance which creates a barrier when
it comes to elevation of democracy worldwide.
Leaders can be defined as individuals who have command, power and authority to
lead the nation and the citizen in an orderly an appropriate mannerism. The political leaders
are responsible for the fair allocation of money, power and necessary resources among the
population in a desirable manner. They are likely to formulate and develop policies,
procedures, processes and structures and lead by example which enhance and increase the
existing level of development within their specific nations. The political leaders also possess
the responsibility to form and establish reliable and faithful partnerships and relationships
with the other countries in order to build strong and powerful alliances (Repucci, 2020). The
international connections facilitate a strong base and support to a nation in a situation of
international conflict, issue or any other adverse or alternative situation. In the last decade,
the world has not seen great leaders with sharp and vision who genuinely wants to put their
efforts in the promotion of world peace and harmony.
The rising corruption has manipulated the ideas and vision of the leaders and they
have forgotten the major purpose behind their duty and responsibility towards their country
or nation. The diplomacy has increased and the sheer honesty and integrity has decreased
within the leaders. Hence, the ruling leaders are also be blamed for the delineation of
democracy worldwide as they also lacked the much required strength and right decision
making capabilities to increase the democratic influence across their concern regions and take
necessary initiatives to promote the well-being and livelihood of individuals in a right
manner. Moreover, the democratic crisis has also heightened due to the feedback loop chain
created by the society and followed blatantly by the individuals over the years. The fact that
individuals resort to the old-age restraints of constituent democratic patterns leads to a major
loophole for the political world. The times have changed over the couple of years. For
example, the living style, thinking approaches and global trends have seen a drastic change
over the decade. Therefore, it is highly necessary for the political powers to amend the
democratic aspects with the changing patterns of society within the global domains so as to
suit the requirement of modern day world.
Overall, it can be said that democracy is a driving factor behind the global
development. Democracy is a major factor which decides freedom of general public to have
various rights and ownership to do things with liberty. Democracy is declining day by day,

especially because of dictatorship and complex political environment. It plays its part vitally
by facilitating individuals with the privilege to act wisely and orderly by participation in the
formation of government. The declination in the same is an increasing threat to the freedom
of individuals which can impose further restrictions in the upcoming future in relation to self-
expression and freedom.
From the above discussion, multiple causes behind the decline in the quality of the
democracy has been identified. The rising political polarisation, economic disparity, global
disruptions and instability, lack of corporation from the public, autocratic influence and many
more have been a possible reason behind the current status of democracy in the world. In
order to overcome the crisis, it highly necessary for the political parties, stakeholders and
bureaucrats to exercise fair practices in order to restore and solidify the reliance, assurance
and faith of individuals in democracy. It is important for the governments of different nations
to focus on increasing value of democracy and freedom of citizens. In order to effectively
protect declining democracy, it is important to focus on precise implementation of
constitution. Declining democracy is also majorly affecting social and ethical values of
citizens in the society. Protection of declining democracy should be done by government in
order to protect human rights and do fair justice for public. It is ethical duty of government to
focus on democracy implementation, for long term prosperity and growth of country.

References
Books and Journal
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Stasavage, D., 2020. The decline and rise of democracy. Princeton University Press.
Repucci, S., 2020. A leaderless struggle for democracy. Freedom House, pp.2020-02.
Kidd, M., 2020. Radicalism, class and populism. In The renewal of radicalism. Manchester
University Press.
Saud, M., Ida, R. and Mashud, M.I., 2020. Democratic practices and youth in political
participation: a doctoral study. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1),
pp.800-808.
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