Reversing the global democratic recession Premium

There is a discernible erosion of trust in democratic systems but all is not lost

India is in the midst of its most significant electoral exercise and it might be worthwhile to scrutinise people’s changing perceptions about their political ecosystems in both the largest democracy and other smaller democratic spaces elsewhere. Such an exercise may help us understand the prevailing global situation and work on the future course of action.

A Pew Research Center’s global survey reveals the evolving state of democracies across 24 countries. Conducted between February 20 and May 22, 2023, this survey of 30,861 respondents delves into the complex fabric of democratic ideals, revealing both global trends and nuanced regional variations.

The results highlight a global shift underway, signalling a discernible erosion of trust in democratic systems. Here, 77% of the respondents expressed optimism about representative democracy. But, their receptivity to alternative governance models is worrisome, of an unambiguous disenchantment with democracy. The diminishing support for representative democracy since 2017 becomes even more pronounced when contrasted with the robust 70% endorsement of direct democracy, wherein officials directly influence major decisions, circumventing elected leaders.

Clearly, a perilous transformation has unfolded across these countries from 2017 to 2023, marked by an increased inclination towards rule by experts (58%) and a growing acceptance of authoritarian government models (26%). The rationale behind this shift lies in the perception that democracies, with their need for discussions and consensus-building, lead to delays, while concentrated power facilitates prompt decision-making and quicker economic development.

As expected, respondents from countries with lower incomes and less education tend to endorse such ‘strong’ leaders. A noteworthy segment (15%) also supports military rule, particularly in middle-income countries. Evidently, such preferences shed light on the intricate interplay of factors shaping the evolving perceptions of governance globally.

How do Indians perceive democracy? In 2017, 44% of Indians favoured representative democracy, which has since decreased to 36% in 2023. Conversely, the inclination towards a powerful leader with significant authority rose from 55% in 2017 to 67% in 2023. Similarly, support for rule by experts exhibits an upward trajectory, soaring from 65% to an impressive 82%.

Notably, the most striking shift is evident in the overwhelmingly positive response from Indians towards military rule or governance by an authoritarian leader, with a staggering 85% preferring it. This upward trend resonates in nations such as Argentina, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico and South Africa. However, it faces resistance in countries such as Canada, Europe, the Scandinavian nations and the United States.