Democratic backsliding

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Democratic backsliding is a form of autocratization, a process of structural government transition from democracy toward authoritarianism in which the exercise of political power becomes broader, less based on democracy, and more arbitrary and repressive. The process typically restricts the space for public contest and political participation in the process of government selection. Democratic backsliding involves the weakening of democratic institutions, such as when the transition of power becomes less peaceful or elections less free and fair, or when the powers that be violate individual rights that underpin democracies, especially freedom of expression. Causes of democratic backsliding include economic inequality, unemployment, culture wars, culturally conservative reactions to societal changes, populist or personalist politics, and external influence from great power politics. Economic inequality is causing democratic backsliding in the 21st century, even in wealthy democracies. During...

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