Why is it in the News?

Despite the disillusionment, for a variety of reasons, the need to fortify democratic foundations has to be ongoing and collaborative.

Context:

• India is in the midst of its most significant electoral exercise and it might be worthwhile to scrutinize people’s changing perceptions about their political ecosystems in both the largest democracy and other smaller democratic spaces elsewhere.
• Such an exercise may help us understand the prevailing global situation and work on the future course of action.
• Drawing insights from an extensive Pew Research Centre survey spanning 24 nations, examining the evolving attitudes toward democratic governance becomes imperative to grasp the broader global context and chart potential pathways forward.

Why Worldwide Decline in Confidence in Democratic Systems?

• According to the Pew Research Centre's extensive 2023 global survey, which included 30,861 participants, there is a notable decline in faith in democratic institutions across the globe.
• Although 77% of respondents still hold optimism for representative democracy, there is growing openness to alternative governance structures.
• Of concern is the diminishing support for representative democracy since 2017, juxtaposed with increased approval for direct democracy, rule by experts, and authoritarian regimes.

Regional Dynamics and Emerging Trends in Perceptions of Governance:

• Shifting Preferences Towards Expert Rule and Authoritarianism: A noticeable inclination towards endorsing rule by experts and authoritarian forms of governance is observed across different regions.
  • This trend is particularly conspicuous in nations grappling with economic instability, political turbulence, or perceived inefficiencies within democratic structures.
  • In such contexts, citizens often perceive democratic systems as sluggish and inadequate in addressing urgent challenges, fostering a growing appeal towards centralized authority and decisive leadership.
• Influence of Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic circumstances significantly shape preferences in governance.
  • Individuals from lower-income countries with limited educational access tend to show support for authoritative leadership and military rule.
  • This inclination may stem from a desire for stability and economic advancement, as authoritarian regimes are perceived as more effective in delivering immediate solutions to complex issues.
• Cultural and Historical Context: Variations in democratic perceptions are also influenced by cultural and historical backgrounds.
  • Nations with past experiences of authoritarian rule or centralized governance structures may exhibit greater openness to authoritarian models.
  • Additionally, cultural norms regarding leadership, hierarchy, and decision-making processes impact attitudes toward democracy and alternative governance models.
• Resistance to Authoritarian Trends in Certain Regions: Despite the rise in authoritarian sentiments in some areas, resistance to such ideologies persists in others.
  • Regions with strong traditions of liberal democracy, including Canada, Europe, Scandinavia, and the United States, continue to prioritize democratic values and institutions.
  • Here, a steadfast commitment to democratic principles, civil liberties, and the rule of law acts as a barrier against the erosion of democratic norms.

Evolution of Democratic Perceptions in India:

• Transition towards Strong Leadership: Recent years have witnessed a discernible transformation in Indian views on democracy, characterized by a diminishing preference for representative democracy and a growing inclination towards authoritative leadership.
  • In 2017, 44% of Indians favored representative democracy, a figure that declined to 36% by 2023.
  • Conversely, support for a commanding leader with substantial authority surged from 55% in 2017 to 67% in 2023.
• Rising Endorsement of Expert Governance: Mirroring global trends, Indian perspectives on governance have witnessed a notable uptick in backing for rule by experts and authoritarian models.
  • Support for rule by experts skyrocketed from 65% to an impressive 82% during the same period.
  • Of significant note is the remarkable preference for military rule or governance under an authoritarian figure, with a striking 85% of Indians expressing support for such models by 2023.
• Diverse Regional Outlooks: It's crucial to acknowledge the diversity in democratic perceptions across various regions and demographic cohorts within India.
  • While certain segments may lean towards authoritarian leadership, others remain steadfast in their commitment to democratic principles and institutions.
  • Factors such as education, socioeconomic status, and cultural heritage exert considerable influence on individuals' governance preferences.

Way Forward to Reinforce Democratic Foundations:

• Engaging Citizens in Governance: Central to a robust democracy is the active participation of citizens in decision-making processes.
  • Governments should establish channels and platforms facilitating meaningful engagement in policymaking and public affairs.
  • Initiatives like town hall meetings, participatory budgeting, citizen assemblies, and digital feedback platforms can foster citizen involvement.
• Ensuring Information Accessibility: Transparency and access to accurate information are cornerstone principles of democratic governance.
  • Governments must ensure unhindered access to information about government actions and policies.
  • Strengthening freedom of information laws, enhancing transparency mechanisms, and supporting investigative journalism can uphold government accountability.
• Upholding Accountability and Justice: Democratic institutions must remain accountable to the populace and uphold the rule of law.
  • Governments should institute checks and balances, foster an independent judiciary, and implement effective oversight mechanisms to prevent power abuse.
  • Additionally, efforts to promote equality before the law and safeguard the rights of marginalized groups are essential.
• Fostering Civic Engagement: Civil society organizations play a pivotal role in advocating for citizen rights and government accountability.
  • Governments should create an enabling environment for civil society to operate freely, safeguarding freedoms of association, expression, and assembly.
  • Collaboration between government and civil society can enhance democratic governance through dialogue and cooperation.
• Promoting Ethical Leadership: Ethical leadership and public service are vital for democratic integrity.
  • Governments should cultivate a culture of ethical conduct among officials and public servants, implementing measures to combat corruption and promote transparency.
  • Holding individuals accountable for misconduct reinforces democratic legitimacy.
• Embracing Responsive and Inclusive Policies: Democratic governments must prioritize policies addressing the needs of all citizens, especially marginalized groups.
  • Proactive efforts to promote social justice, economic equality, and inclusivity in decision-making processes are crucial.
  • Engaging diverse stakeholders and tailoring policies to ensure inclusivity is imperative for leaving no one behind.

Conclusion

The shifting democratic perceptions highlighted in both the Pew Research Centre survey and India's democratic context emphasize the importance of reevaluating global democratic systems. By acknowledging regional nuances, comprehending evolving attitudes, and emphasizing foundational reinforcement endeavors, nations can effectively address the complexities and potentials of democratic governance in the contemporary era.