Democracy in Drift

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Context:

Across the world, democracies are witnessing discontent, political stagnation, and declining public faith, raising concerns about the future of democratic governance.

Democratic Malaise

Declining Trust:Many democracies, from Nepal to France and the US, face a pervasive sense of youth disillusionment, as political systems are unable to meet their expectations.
Corruption and Governance Crisis:Widespread corruption, economic fragility, and poor governance fuel the perception that democratic institutions serve elites rather than citizens.
Cyclical Weakness:Democratic systems often follow a pattern of expansion and disillusionment, where initial hope eventually gives way to stagnation and crisis.

Structural Challenges

Excessive Mobilisation:Populist movements create unrealistic expectations, leading to policy deadlock and further weakening democratic institutions.
Policy and Consensus Deficit:Democracies struggle to build consensus for reforms, with protests and dissatisfaction reflecting gaps between governance and popular demands.
Fragile Institutions:Cases like Chile show how fragile democratic approval can be, as public trust in institutional strength weakens under socio-economic stress.

The Way Forward

Rethinking Participation:Democracy must find ways to include youth aspirations meaningfully, as the current model often alienates younger generations.
Intellectual Renewal:Revitalising democracy requires addressing intellectual stagnation, moving beyond cynicism, and fostering constructive public discourse.
Shared Agency:The central challenge lies in recreating a sense of shared democratic purpose, where political participation translates into genuine agency for citizens.

Practice Question:

The global crisis of democracy is increasingly described as one of stagnation, disillusionment, and loss of public trust. Critically analyse the structural and normative challenges facing democracies worldwide, and suggest measures to strengthen democratic resilience in the 21st century. (250 words)

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