Desafíos de la Democracia en el Siglo XXI

The Challenge of Democracy

The world has been witnessing a series of challenges to democracy in recent years, from political turmoil within established democracies to the rise of authoritarian regimes. These challenges have led to a critical question: What role will leading democracies and democracy itself play in the changing international order? In this article, we explore the democratic challenges and their implications for the future of democracy.

Internal Challenges

Democracies are facing a recession in liberalism caused by economic inequality and socio-cultural upheaval. In advanced democracies across the West, economic grievances and identity-based struggles have led to the rise of populist movements with authoritarian tendencies. In emerging and non-Western democracies, internal challenges are more prominent in the service delivery realms, where governments prove incapable or unwilling to reduce corruption and violent crime.

External Challenges

Leading democracies are losing ground to authoritarian powers bent on breaking the hold of democracy. Illiberal and authoritarian leaders are gaining power through electoral processes and following an illiberal playbook to consolidate control within democratic systems. This trend is particularly noticeable in countries like Hungary, Poland, and Turkey, where democratic institutions are being eroded.

Institutional Challenges

Many democratic institutions, such as the Senate, Electoral College, and Supreme Court, have not kept up with changing times, leading to a structural imbalance in national politics. This imbalance has allowed unscrupulous politicians to manipulate the system and undermine the principle of majority rule.

Digital Challenges

In the digital age, the use of social media and artificial intelligence can manipulate popular opinion, denying people the right to express their choice for fear of going against the crowd. This is a significant threat to democratic institutions and the ability of citizens to make informed decisions through free and fair elections.

Polarization

Intense polarization between political opponents can lead to the justification of abuses of democratic norms to restrain the opposition and encourage the opposition to use "any means necessary" to regain power. This polarization can undermine democratic accountability and lead to a breakdown of democratic institutions.

Institutional Solutions

Debates are ongoing regarding whether institutional reforms can provide solutions to some of the problems afflicting democracies. These reforms could include electoral and other institutional changes aimed at enhancing or restricting intra-party democracy.

Overcoming Polarization

Partisan polarization can be a threat to functioning democratic accountability. If citizens remain loyal to a political party even if it violates key democratic norms, political polarization can undermine democratic accountability.

Debates over Institutional Solutions

There are ongoing debates regarding whether institutional reforms can provide solutions to some of the problems afflicting democracies. These reforms could include electoral changes, participatory institutions, the use of referenda and other forms of direct democracy, and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing or restricting intra-party democracy.

In conclusion, democracy is facing numerous challenges, both internally and externally. These challenges require a concerted effort from democratic states to renew their political institutions and social contracts and forge a wide coalition for democratic resurgence. This will be crucial in determining the trajectory of democracy and the state of the international order in the coming years.