ens.wiki

Democratic backsliding refers to the gradual decline or erosion of democratic institutions, principles, and values within a country. This process often involves actions that undermine the rule of law, weaken checks and balances, restrict civil liberties, or reduce the fairness of elections. It doesn't usually happen overnight; instead, it's often a slow and subtle process where democratic norms are chipped away.

For example, democratic backsliding might involve efforts to weaken an independent judiciary, restrict press freedom, or pass laws that limit political opposition. This trend has been observed in various countries around the world, where governments consolidate power and reduce democratic accountability.

The causes of democratic backsliding can be complex and multifaceted, often influenced by a combination of political, economic, social, and cultural factors. Here are some common causes:

1. Weak Democratic Institutions: When institutions like the judiciary, legislature, and electoral bodies lack independence or are undermined, it becomes easier for authoritarian tendencies to take hold.
2. Concentration of Power: Leaders or ruling parties may seek to centralize power by weakening checks and balances, suppressing opposition, or extending their time in office through constitutional amendments or other means.
3. Economic Inequality and Instability: High levels of inequality or economic crises can fuel public discontent, making people more susceptible to leaders who promise quick solutions, even at the expense of democratic norms.
4. Erosion of Social Trust: Polarization, misinformation, and declining trust in political processes or institutions can create an environment where citizens are less likely to defend democratic principles.
5. Rise of Populism: Populist leaders often frame themselves as the "voice of the people" against corrupt elites, using this narrative to justify actions that undermine democratic norms.
6. External Influences: Foreign interference, such as spreading disinformation or funding certain political actors, can destabilize democracies. Global trends in authoritarianism can also embolden domestic actors.
7. Changing Norms and Values: A shift in societal attitudes—such as declining commitment to democratic ideals—can weaken the public's resistance to authoritarian tendencies.
8. Technological Challenges: The misuse of technology, including surveillance tools and social media platforms, can be leveraged to suppress dissent, manipulate information, or amplify polarization.

The prevention of democratic backsliding requires a combination of proactive measures from governments, institutions, civil society, and citizens. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Ensure the independence and integrity of institutions like the judiciary, electoral commissions, and legislative bodies to act as checks and balances against potential abuses of power.
2. Fostering Civic Engagement: Encourage active participation from citizens in political processes, such as voting, protesting, and engaging in dialogue. An informed and active populace is a strong defense against authoritarianism. Seven Levels of skill may be recognized in civic participation:
   • Civic participation at level 1 - Follow
   • Civic participation at level 2 - Assist
   • Civic participation at level 3 - Apply
   • Civic participation at level 4 - Enable
   • Civic participation at level 5 - Ensure/advise
   • Civic participation at level 6 - Initiate/influence
   • Civic participation at level 7 - Set strategy/inspire/mobilise
3. Protecting Press Freedom: A free and independent media is crucial for holding governments accountable and preventing the spread of misinformation or propaganda.
4. Enhancing Education on Democratic Values: Promoting awareness of democratic principles and the importance of rights, freedoms, and responsibilities helps build a culture that resists authoritarian tendencies.
5. Countering Misinformation: Invest in media literacy programs and fact-checking initiatives to combat the spread of fake news that can polarize societies or erode trust in democratic systems.
6. Addressing Economic Inequalities: Tackle economic disparities that can lead to disillusionment with democracy and make populist promises more appealing (#sdt103: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard).
7. Promoting Political Accountability: Enforce transparency in governance and strengthen mechanisms to hold leaders accountable for unethical behavior or abuses of power (#sdt166 - develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels and #sdt167 - ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels).
8. Building Alliances: International cooperation and support among democracies can create external pressure on regimes showing signs of backsliding, while providing support for pro-democracy movements.
9. Strengthening Civil Society: Support and empower non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, and grassroots movements that promote democratic norms and human rights (#sdt1717: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships).
10. Encouraging Youth Participation: Engage younger generations in democratic processes to ensure long-term commitment to democratic ideals.

Source: Copilot, asked on March 9, 2025. Links to other Societal architecture model elements and some modifications by the editor so as to better illustrate the relevance of the concept in public policy cycles at levels international, federal and national.