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

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

Turkish concerns mount as Iranian Kurdish Coalition rises

by Martin Aslan Both Erdoğan’s government and the Iranian regime perceive the Kurds as a threat. Estimates place their population between 7 and 15 million in Iran, Iranian Kurds—known as Rojhelati or Eastern Kurds—have faced ongoing discrimination, including restrictions on Kurdish language education, cultural expression, and political organizing. On February 22, 2026, five major Iranian Kurdish opposition parties formed the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan (CPFIK) to coordinate efforts against the Islamic Republic. A sixth group, the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan, joined on March 4. The coalition includes: Such political coordination among Iranian Kurdish movements is likely to be closely watched in Ankara, where Kurdish political and territorial developments beyond Türkiye’s borders are viewed through a national security lens. If Iranian Kurdish parties were to gain territorial control in Iranian Kurdistan, it would likely heighten concerns in Ankara. Türkiye ha...
Post a Comment
Read more

Turkey's Cynical Game: Fueling Middle East Chaos While Preaching Peace

by Martin Aslan In the volatile geopolitics of March 2026, Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan remains the region's most destabilizing force—master of loud moral outrage and quiet strategic opportunism. The Azerbaijan-Israel axis perfectly exposes Ankara's hypocrisy. Azerbaijan supplies Israel with roughly 46% of its crude oil imports, flowing through Turkey's Ceyhan port via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. In return, Israeli drones and advanced weaponry helped Baku decisively defeat Armenia in recent conflicts. This partnership directly counters Iran, providing Israel intelligence access near Tehran's borders and stoking fears of unrest among Iran's large ethnic Azeri population. Turkey vociferously backs Azerbaijan as “one nation, two states,” supplying political cover and military aid. Simultaneously, Erdoğan unleashes blistering anti-Israel rhetoric—especially over Gaza—imposing partial trade bans to rally domestic and Islamic support. Yet reality betrays the bl...
Post a Comment
Read more