In 2023, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) reported a concerning decline in democratic standards worldwide. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including the spread of wars, authoritarian crackdowns, and a decreasing level of trust in mainstream political parties. While the number of countries categorized as democracies increased by two, the global average index score dropped to its lowest level since the first study was published in 2006.
The study, titled “Age of Conflict,” highlights the emergence of a future major war and its visible contours. It notes that today’s wars are predominantly concentrated in countries where democracy is either absent or facing significant challenges. This observation underscores the critical role that democracy plays in maintaining peace and stability.
Interestingly, Western Europe was the only region that improved its score, surpassing North America for the first time. However, the study points out that this improvement was not reflective of the overall global trend. The editor of the report, Joan Hoey, explains that scores fell for both nations prosecuting wars, such as Azerbaijan and Russia, and nations on the receiving end, like Armenia and Ukraine.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of democratic resilience and consolidation in EU member states in Central Europe, as well as in Balkan and Baltic countries. This positive development has prevented a significant decline in the overall regional score, highlighting the tale of resilience in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
The report also sheds light on the intensifying anti-immigration sentiment in many countries, contributing to an increasingly polarized political landscape in the Americas and Europe. It emphasizes the decline in trust levels in mainstream political parties and leaders, as well as the prevalence of “culture wars” that have long characterized the United States.
Western Europe, in particular, is grappling with low levels of trust in government. These challenges are further compounded by the upcoming elections for the European Parliament in the 27-nation EU. Polls suggest that the far-right could potentially become the third-largest grouping in the legislature, adding to the complexity of the political landscape.
Ukraine’s battle to repel Russia’s two-year invasion has taken a toll on its democratic institutions and practices. Meanwhile, Russia continues its steady slide towards “outright dictatorship.” These developments highlight the vulnerability of democratic systems in the face of external threats.
It is disheartening to note that only 7.8 percent of the global population resides in a “full democracy,” while more than one-third live under authoritarian rule. However, there have been some positive changes. Paraguay and Papua New Guinea were upgraded from “hybrid regimes” to “flawed democracies,” and Greece achieved the status of a “full democracy.” Unfortunately, Pakistan was downgraded to an “authoritarian regime,” and the United States remains categorized as a “flawed democracy.”
The top three countries in the index, Norway, New Zealand, and Iceland, serve as beacons of democratic excellence. On the other end of the spectrum, North Korea, Myanmar, and Afghanistan face significant challenges in upholding democratic values.
As we reflect on the findings of the EIU report, it is crucial to recognize the importance of democratic institutions in safeguarding peace, promoting trust, and ensuring the well-being of citizens. The global community must work together to address the underlying issues contributing to the decline in democratic standards and foster an environment that supports democratic resilience and progress.
Source: The Manila Times
