Democracies in Decline, The Global Drift Toward Autocracy
Why in News?
A comprehensive global report has highlighted the alarming trend of declining liberal democracies and the rise of closed autocracies across various regions. The findings, including data from Pew and V-Dem, reveal worsening democratic health since the 2010s, accelerating further in the 2020s. 
Introduction
Democracy, once considered the cornerstone of global governance, is witnessing a worrying decline. Liberal democracies are shrinking in number, while closed autocracies—governments with no meaningful elections or civil liberties—are on the rise. This reversal is most pronounced in regions such as South Asia, West Asia, North Africa, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, public opinion surveys also show a growing support for autocratic rule, including in traditionally democratic nations like India.
Key Issues / Background
1. Liberal Democracy in Retreat
As of 2024, the share of liberal democracies among 179 assessed countries has dropped to 16%, down from 42% in 2012. This decline is being felt strongly across South Asia, East Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
2. Rise of Closed Autocracies
The share of closed autocracies increased from 12% in 2012 to 24% in 2024. These regimes lack multiparty elections, press freedom, and civil liberties, yet are gaining ground in Asia and Africa.
3. Public Support for Autocratic Rule Is Growing
Pew Research data from 2023 highlights a significant number of people—especially in India and Kenya—supporting the idea of a “strong leader” who can make decisions without interference from parliaments or courts.
4. Decline in Representative Democracy Support
From 2017 to 2023, support for representative democracy has declined in many democracies. In India, the share of people viewing it positively fell from 72% to 65%. In Nigeria, support dropped from 52% to 31%.
5. Press Freedom Erosion, Especially in India
India’s press freedom ranking has worsened drastically. Out of 180 countries, India ranks 161st as of 2024, a steep drop from 122nd in 2010. This is attributed to shrinking space for dissent and rising control over media narratives.
Challenges and the Way Forward
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Democratic Backsliding: Even countries that maintain the facade of elections are often manipulating institutions and undermining checks and balances.
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Disillusionment with Institutions: Voters, especially in developing countries, are increasingly skeptical about whether democratic systems deliver on promises.
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Pressures on Judiciary and Media: In both established and emerging democracies, the independence of the judiciary and media is under threat.
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Need for Democratic Renewal: Civic education, stronger electoral institutions, and global pressure for democratic norms must be reinvigorated to reverse the trend.
Conclusion
The global shift away from democracy is not just a matter of political systems; it’s a deepening crisis of trust and governance. As autocracies rise, and public faith in democratic processes erodes, it becomes imperative to reassert the values of accountability, participation, and transparency. India, like many others, stands at a critical juncture—where it must decide whether to reinforce or retract the very pillars of its democratic foundation.
Q&A Section
Q1. What does the latest global data say about the state of liberal democracies and autocracies?
As of 2024, liberal democracies make up just 16% of assessed countries, down from 42% in 2012. In contrast, closed autocracies have increased to 24% from 12% over the same period.
Q2. Which regions are witnessing the sharpest democratic decline?
Significant democratic backsliding is reported in South Asia, West Asia, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. Even Europe and Latin America show signs of democratic erosion.
Q3. What does public opinion indicate about support for democracy?
Surveys reveal declining support for representative democracy in countries like India, Nigeria, and Kenya. At the same time, support for autocratic rule—strong leaders without parliamentary checks—is rising.
Q4. How has India’s press freedom ranking changed over time?
India ranked 122nd out of 180 countries in 2010. By 2024, this has worsened to 161st, indicating a significant decline in press freedom and independent journalism.
Q5. What are the potential long-term impacts of democratic decline?
Erosion of civil liberties, rise of authoritarian governance, weakening of institutions like the judiciary and media, and eventual public disillusionment with governance can lead to instability and suppressed dissent.
