Democracy is at a historic crossroads as trust in democratic institutions continues to erode around the globe. Citizen surveys and ratings like these are indicative of a growing public outcry around the world. They are more than ever concerned about the integrity and functioning of their democratic institutions. Marc Piasecki/Getty Images French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed the disturbing trend of increased extremism. He sounds the alarm that radical right-wing and left-wing impulses are exacerbating the crisis.
Over the past several years, the retreat of global freedom as measured by Freedom House through political liberties and civil rights has continued for 19 straight years. There are more connections than one might realize among countries in Europe and beyond facing democratic backsliding, even as they contend with different challenges. Moldova and Georgia have now become battlegrounds for democracy. Their struggles represent important global currents that will determine the future of democratic governance.
In the United Kingdom, an alarming 63% of 16-29 year olds think that democracy is under threat. This universal feeling points to a more disturbing issue with our youth today. This prevailing feeling is being felt around the world. In 2024, more than 40% of national elections were marred by critical issues such as violence, polling interference, and government repression. All of these statistics contribute to a discouraging overall picture of the state of democracy in 2023.
The climate crisis, and it very much is a crisis, is not limited to any one country. Even the United States—the oft-claimed “home of democracy”—has taken a turn. Any effective resistance to the Republican one-party rule at the national level has crumbled. Germany, heralded for its strong democratic institutions and framework, is experiencing a dramatic increase in polarization. This arbitrary division has created an existential crisis of faith in our country’s democratic processes.
Yet young people would rather live in a democracy than under an autocratic regime, by a solid margin of 57% to 27%. At the same time, they are afraid to enter the fray of organized politics. Just 35% of young Americans say they’re likely to engage in sustained activism or activism that involves civil disobedience. This unwillingness should really worry us, especially as so many young people are discouraged by the status quo.
Corruption and abuse of power have caused large-scale anti-government protests in dozens of countries around the world. Other prominent examples include the Philippines, Nigeria, Turkey, Indonesia, and Madagascar. Citizens are growing more impatient with their current political leaders and institutions. A recent survey revealed that a record 64% of Americans believe their democracy is “too politically divided to solve the nation’s problems.”
As recent political crises around the world have shown, that need for democratic reform and reflection is more urgent than ever. French president Emmanuel Macron expresses this mood perfectly when he writes,
“But we should not be naive. On the inside we are turning on ourselves. We doubt our own democracy … We see everywhere that something is happening to our democratic fabric. Democratic debate is turning into a debate of hatred.” – Emmanuel Macron
His remarks resonate with many who feel that the discourse around democracy has devolved into hostility rather than constructive dialogue.
Countries are meeting these multiplicities straight on. What is less obvious, though, is how to rebuild faith in democracy—something that requires a sustained, explicit effort from leaders and citizens alike. It can feel hopeless with our current political climate, but knowing what’s wrong is half the battle to building the better world we know is possible.
“Conflicts spread instability and thwarted democratic progress around the world.” – Freedom House
As nations grapple with these challenges, it is becoming increasingly clear that restoring faith in democracy will require concerted efforts from both leaders and citizens alike. The political landscape may seem bleak, but understanding the underlying issues is the first step toward meaningful change.