Polarization is increasing twice as fast in the world, half of the people living in democratic countries need powerful leaders

Democracy weakened: Polarization is increasing twice as fast in the world, and half of the people living in democratic countries need powerful leaders

Dec 27, 2022 - 15:48
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Polarization is increasing twice as fast in the world, half of the people living in democratic countries need powerful leaders

Attempts to suppress the protest against the hijab in Iran, suppression of the people who took to the streets in China against the lockdown, Trump's exploits in America, the stubbornness of the rulers not to leave their posts in the elections of Hungary and Brazil. Democracy was seen in danger in half the world this year, but Ukraine became its biggest example, which was devastated by Russia's attack. The battle is still going on.
The world is seeing this as democracy versus authoritarianism. In an interview with Time, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warned the world that "if they destroy us, the shining democracy of your sky will also fade away."
The annual report of the Stockholm-based International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) says – this year, such incidents took place in the world's big and influential democracies like India, America, and Brazil, which do not have scope in democracy. Former Costa Rican politician and current Secretary General of International IDEA, Kevin Casas Zamora says- According to the report prepared after studying the political situation of 104 countries, there has been a change in the values of people living in democratic countries, their way of thinking Is. People living in these countries now want a strong leader. They feel that a strong leader is better for both progress and pride. Whereas in 2009 only 38% of people wanted a more powerful leader.
Now in 77 democratic countries of the world, more than half i.e. 52% people want that the reins of their country should be in the hands of a powerful leader. According to the report, democratic degradation was 12% a decade ago, but now it is 50%. These countries include America, Brazil, France, India and Britain. In non-democratic countries like Afghanistan and Belarus, the regime has become more repressive. According to the report, the people of countries like America and Britain, who are most desirous of democracy, are currently facing the brunt of food shortage, inflation, rising electricity prices and recession. People consider power only responsible for many problems faced in democratic countries.
The reasons for the weakening of democracy are almost the same in all the countries of the world. Political polarization took place in these countries. This reduced people's faith in democratic institutions. Elections were rigged, and even where this did not happen, people do not believe that the elections were conducted with full honesty. Inequality has increased rapidly in a democracy that talks about the equality of citizens. Because of this people are showing disillusionment with democracy.

Muskan Kumawat Journalist & Writer