What is Democratic Backsliding?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Characterized by a slow, incremental decline rather than sudden collapse.
- 2.
Often involves executive aggrandizement concentration of power in the executive branch.
- 3.
Weakening of independent institutions like the judiciary, legislature, and media.
- 4.
Manipulation of electoral processes and rules to favor incumbents.
- 5.
Suppression of political opposition and civil society.
- 6.
Erosion of civil liberties and human rights.
- 7.
Often justified by leaders as necessary for stability or national security.
- 8.
Can lead to authoritarianism, hybrid regimes, or illiberal democracies.
- 9.
International community often struggles with an effective response due to sovereignty concerns and economic interests.
- 10.
Examples: Venezuela, Hungary, Turkey, Philippines (under Duterte).
Visual Insights
Democratic Backsliding: Causes, Characteristics & Consequences
This mind map illustrates the multifaceted nature of democratic backsliding, detailing its key characteristics, underlying causes, and far-reaching consequences. It also highlights the challenges for international response and India's foreign policy dilemma.
Democratic Backsliding
- ●Characteristics
- ●Causes
- ●Consequences
- ●International Response & India's Dilemma
Recent Developments
5 developmentsIncreasing global concern over the rise of illiberal democracies and populist leaders.
Freedom House and V-Dem Institute reports consistently show a decline in global democracy scores over the past 15 years.
Impact of social media in both facilitating and hindering democratic processes.
Geopolitical competition influencing support for or opposition to democratic regimes.
Challenges to electoral integrity and spread of misinformation.