The decline of democracy

By Di on 3月 15 2022
Topical

Worldwide, democracy and global freedom have been declining since 2006. The COVID-19 pandemic made things worse, with many leaders choosing to use authoritarian measures to contain the virus. It was difficult for the opposition to protest the measures because they weren't allowed to gather in groups.

But the trend towards dictatorship began long before the pandemic. The decline is not just happening in nations with authoritarian governments, but even long-standing democracies have suffered. In 2020, nearly 75% of the world’s population lived in a country where democracy deteriorated. The United States, which has long stood as an icon of democratic values, is becoming so divided that the government can barely function. The 2020 election results were challenged, ending up in an attack on the Capitol building itself.

Look at this graph from Freedom House showing the democracy gap since 2005. Interpret and discuss it with your teacher.

[Image from FreedomHouse.org]

Teaching notes

Democratic:  

  1. controlled by representatives who are elected by the people of a country
  2. organized according to the principle that everyone has a right to be involved in making decisions
  3. organized according to the principle that everyone in a society is equally important, no matter how much money they have or what social class they come from

Authoritarian:

  1. characterized by or favoring absolute obedience to authority, as against individual freedom
  2. strictly forcing people to obey a set of rules or laws, especially ones that are wrong or unfair
Teacher Rating
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
Discussion
Define "democratic" vs. "authoritarian" government.
Do you agree with the premise of this article? Why or why not?
Describe the government of your country. How well does it function? How could it be improved?
Why do so many people in democratic countries not vote?