Skip to main content

The state of democracy




 by Martin Aslan

The global decline of Democracy

In January, thousands of Israelis protested against their new far-right government, fearing its plans would weaken democratic institutions and checks and balances. This reflects a broader global trend: trust in democracy is declining, yet authoritarian regimes have not proven more effective.

The global retreat of democracy

Democracy is defined by representative government, fundamental rights, checks on power, impartial administration, and civic participation. However, in recent years, democracy has stagnated, with half of democratic nations backsliding. Repressive regimes are tightening control, and the number of countries shifting toward authoritarianism has more than doubled in six years. Today, half of all nations are experiencing democratic decline.

Democratic erosion in Europe

While democracy remains dominant in Europe, it has weakened, even in high-performing countries. Poland and Hungary are experiencing significant democratic backsliding, with increasing government control over institutions and erosion of fundamental rights. Germany, despite its strong democratic standing, has seen declines in media integrity.

: Democratic indicators in decline in Hungary Source: The global state of democracy 2022 - International institute for democracy and electoral assistance

Democratic indicators in decline in Hungary. Source: The global state of democracy 2022 - International Institute for democracy and electoral assistance

Türkiye, in contrast, is classified as a hybrid regime rather than a true democracy. Since 2005, democracy has steadily declined under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Freedom of speech has particularly suffered, with 90% of national media under government control. Anti-terrorism laws and Article 299 of the Penal Code are used to suppress journalists, and in 2022, new laws further tightened control over online media. Since the failed coup in 2016, over 200 journalists have been imprisoned, and Reporters Without Borders ranks Türkiye 149th out of 180 in press freedom.

Journalists currently in prison (2023). Source: Reporters without borders

Government censorship remains a key tool, used to restrict access to information, including social media shutdowns used to stifle criticism. Following the February earthquake, bandwidth limitations hindered rescue efforts, demonstrating the real-life consequences of media suppression.

The urgent need to defend Democracy

Democracy is at risk worldwide, even in Europe, its historical stronghold. As war, climate change, and economic crises unfold, democratic principles are being undermined—despite being the best safeguard for people's rights and freedoms.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Relations between Türkiye and Latin America

by Martin Aslan Türkiye has established a real presence in regions such as Africa, especially in Libya and Somalia, as well as in Central Asia. Yet, one part of the world remains relatively under the radar in Turkish foreign policy: Latin America. Despite the geographical distance, it seems Ankara has been quietly working to expand its defense footprint in the region. Interestingly, the roots of Türkiye’s connection to Latin America stretch back to the 19th century, when immigrants from the Ottoman Empire, mostly Arabs, settled in South America. Locals called them "Los Turcos" (The Turks), a nickname that still stucks despite their actual ethnic origins. High-level visits and diplomatic expansion Türkiye launched an “Action Plan for Latin America and the Caribbean” in 1998. It was revised in 2006, when Türkiye declared that year as the “Year of Latin America and the Caribbean”. The plan served as a formal roadmap for engaging more seriously in the region. The first Turkish pr...
Post a Comment
Read more

Türkish influence in Asia: promoter of peace or supplier of weapons?

by Martin Aslan Türkiye’s relationship with Asia is a dynamic blend of cultural, religious, and economic ties shaping Türkiye’s foreign policy and regional influence. These multifaceted connections reveal how cultural and religious bonds intersect with Türkiye’s paradoxical roles as both a peacemaker and arms supplier and raises questions about its real commitment in fighting fitna (division) within the Muslim world. This ambiguous position also raises questions about the effectiveness of Ankara’s influence. Cultural and religious connections Asia has long held historical and cultural importance for Türkiye. The Turkish people originally migrated from regions around present-day Mongolia, a heritage President Erdogan often recalls. This historical memory partly explains Türkiye’s continuing interest in the Uyghur people of China. While Ankara occasionally criticizes Beijing’s repression of Uyghurs, it offers little tangible support. Türkiye’s cultural resonance extends to South Asia, pa...
Post a Comment
Read more

What will be the next Turkish fighter aircraft?

by Martin Aslan Türkiye is struggling to find willing sellers for modern fighter jets. Ankara faces significant challenges in acquiring its next-generation combat aircraft and remains entangled in ongoing diplomatic disputes. The F-35 fallout Ankara originally intended to purchase 100 F-35 fighter jets from the United States beginning in 2002, when Türkiye joined the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program as a partner nation. Over the following years, it invested in the development and production phases of the aircraft. However, in a significant shift, Türkiye signed a deal with Russia in 2017 to acquire the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. The first deliveries of the S-400 system began in July 2019. This decision sparked concerns among NATO allies over interoperability and security, as the S-400 is not compatible with NATO defense infrastructure. As a result, Türkiye was officially removed from the F-35 program in July 2019. The move marked a turning point in Türkiye’s defense policy...
Post a Comment
Read more