Key Characteristics of Democracy: Free and Fair Elections, Rule of Law, Protection of Human Rights, Separation of Powers, Freedom of Speech and Assembly, Accountability and Transparency.

Indicators of Democratic Backsliding: Electoral manipulation, Suppression of dissent, Weakening of independent institutions (judiciary, media), Constitutional amendments to consolidate power, Militarization of politics.

Often involves a shift from liberal democracy emphasizing individual rights and freedoms to illiberal democracy where elections exist but civil liberties are curtailed.

Can lead to authoritarianism or military rule, as seen in Myanmar.

Impacts international relations by challenging global norms of governance and human rights.

Requires strong civil society and independent media to resist backsliding.

Constitutionalism adherence to a constitution as the supreme law is a cornerstone of stable democracies.

Key Characteristics of Democracy: Free and Fair Elections, Rule of Law, Protection of Human Rights, Separation of Powers, Freedom of Speech and Assembly, Accountability and Transparency.

Indicators of Democratic Backsliding: Electoral manipulation, Suppression of dissent, Weakening of independent institutions (judiciary, media), Constitutional amendments to consolidate power, Militarization of politics.

Often involves a shift from liberal democracy emphasizing individual rights and freedoms to illiberal democracy where elections exist but civil liberties are curtailed.

Can lead to authoritarianism or military rule, as seen in Myanmar.

Impacts international relations by challenging global norms of governance and human rights.

Requires strong civil society and independent media to resist backsliding.

Constitutionalism adherence to a constitution as the supreme law is a cornerstone of stable democracies.