The biggest election in this “year of elections” is finally over. In contests across the world, voters have spoken. But what do their choices tell us about the state of democracy globally? Now is the time to take stock of where democracy stands in the world today — what it means to citizens everywhere, how well it is working and for whom, and the changes we may see in the years to come.
The Journal of Democracy essays below offer insights into the global shift of the last eleven months, including the causes and consequences of rising polarization and populism.
Who Decides What Is Democratic?
The “crisis” of democracy is a crisis of representation. New parties, some of which are populist in troublingly illiberal ways, are arising from this moment. The danger that they pose is not that they are antidemocratic, but that they are antiliberal.
Adam PrzeworskiPolarization versus Democracy
Why do ordinary people vote to return to office undemocratic incumbents? New survey experiments in several countries suggest that many voters are willing to put their partisan interests above democratic principles — a finding that may be key to understanding democratic backsliding.
Milan W. SvolikThe Power of Liberal Nationalism
Democracy’s defenders have failed to appreciate the power of nationalism. They must arm themselves with emotionally compelling narratives to counter illiberal foes of free government. When they do, they are championing a winning message.
M. Steven FishWhy the Future Is Democratic
The swelling pessimism about democracy’s future is unwarranted. Values focused on human freedom are spreading throughout the world, and suggest that the future of self-government is actually quite bright.
Christian WelzelThe Populist Challenge to Liberal Democracy
Across the West, economic, demographic, and cultural shifts have spurred the rise of populists who embrace majoritarianism and popular sovereignty while showing little commitment to constitutionalism and individual liberty.
William A. GalstonHow Personalist Politics Is Changing Democracies
Once mostly found in authoritarian regimes, personalism is now putting established democracies in peril — a trend that digital technology will likely make worse.
Erica Frantz, Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Carisa Nietsche, and Joseph Wright
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