EDITOR'S CORNER: Is Democracy Dead?

Is democracy dead, or is it on its way out? Why should we even care?

In an era where right-wing politics and authoritarian regimes are rapidly gaining ground, these are not just rhetorical questions—they're crucial ones. Democracy is just one political system among many, but it’s the one the Western world swears by and actively promotes across the globe. Why is that?

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what democracy really is, why it has been so highly valued, and why Western countries so fervently advocate for it. We’ll then explore the meteoric rise of right-wing ideologies and authoritarian figures, and finally ask ourselves: is this the direction we want to be heading in, or are we slowly dismantling the very freedoms we claim to cherish?

WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHAT ARE ITS ROOTS? 

Democracy is a system of government where power lies with the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives. It’s built on core principles like political equality, individual freedom, and the rule of law. In practice, this means citizens can vote, speak freely, form political parties, and hold leaders accountable through regular elections and transparent institutions. While democratic systems vary around the world, their purpose is the same: to ensure that government reflects the will of the people—not just the interests of a privileged few.

The idea of democracy began in ancient Athens in the 5th century BCE, where citizens gathered to make decisions—a bold shift from the monarchies of the time, even if only free men could participate. Over the centuries, democratic ideals evolved, especially during the Enlightenment, when thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized individual rights and government by consent. These ideas laid the foundation for the representative democracies we know today.

WHY IS DEMOCRACY THE BEST SYSTEM? 

Democracy is often described, somewhat ironically, as the worst form of government—except for all the others. Despite its flaws, frustrations, and frequent gridlock, it remains the best option we have because it places power in the hands of the people and protects the rights of the individual. It’s messy and imperfect, but it offers everyone a seat at the table—even if the conversation gets loud and complicated. Through voting, debate, and representation, democracy allows citizens to shape their society and hold their leaders accountable.

By distributing power and encouraging public participation, democracy helps prevent tyranny and protects civil liberties like free speech, religious freedom, and the right to protest. Its adaptability and accountability make it more responsive to the public’s needs, while institutions such as a free press, independent courts, and checks and balances work to maintain transparency and limit corruption. No system is without fault, but democracy’s commitment to openness and human rights gives it a unique strength to foster stability, justice, and lasting progress.

WHY SHOULD WE CARE THAT AUTHORITARIAN REGIMES ARE RISING?

We should care about the decline of democracy because it signals the erosion of our fundamental freedoms. Often, this erosion happens so gradually that we barely notice—until it’s too late. The United States offers a striking example. Under Trump’s leadership, several basic rights have been rolled back or threatened. Issues like abortion access, immigration, and even the freedom to express dissenting opinions have become increasingly contentious and restricted.

We've seen reports of people being deported under questionable circumstances, women facing jail time for undergoing medically safe abortions, and students being removed from schools and having their phones searched for anti-Israel content. These incidents don’t happen in isolation—they’re part of a broader trend. In Europe, similar patterns are emerging. In Hungary, Viktor Orbán’s government has systematically stripped away civil liberties, tightened immigration laws, and made it harder for citizens to oppose the regime. Poland’s Law and Justice party has taken comparable steps.

You might say, "But we don’t support abortion!" or "We don’t want illegal immigration!" or even, "Free speech is overrated!" You’re entitled to those views—but freedom means allowing space for other perspectives too. It's not about agreeing with every right or policy; it's about preserving the ability to choose, to debate, and to live without fear of repression. Consider the alternatives. In authoritarian regimes like Russia and China, dissent is punished and personal freedoms are severely limited. Many Europeans still remember life behind the Iron Curtain, when fear of the secret police was constant and rights were a distant dream.

Freedom means allowing others to live differently than you would choose to. The moment we begin to justify limiting rights for some, we open the door to losing our own.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT/ WHAT IS THE FUTURE?

It’s very simple: don’t vote for authoritarian regimes! This is especially crucial for young people, who will live with the consequences of today’s political choices far longer than older generations. Right now, we’re seeing a growing divide in how different groups vote—between younger and older voters, and even between men and women. Women, on average, lean more liberal and left-wing, while men increasingly support conservative, right-wing parties. As a result, centrist parties are losing ground, and incumbents are being unseated by far-right challengers in many countries.

There are, however, notable exceptions. In countries like Australia and Canada, left-leaning governments have recently won elections. These victories were supported by strong economies, well-funded education systems, and a shared commitment to justice and the rule of law. Both countries have also taken clear stances against Trump-style politics. Still, even in these nations, there are growing pockets of support for MAGA-like movements, showing that no democracy is immune to the global shift toward authoritarianism.

CONCLUSION

This is a critical moment in history. The rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic values are not abstract concerns—they’re unfolding right now, often in ways so subtle we barely notice until it’s too late. Democracy, while imperfect, remains the best system we have for protecting freedom, equality, and human dignity. But it only survives when people care enough to defend it.

Every vote matters—now more than ever. This isn’t just about party lines or political preferences. It’s about standing up for the rights and freedoms that allow us to live, speak, and think freely. Young people, in particular, have immense power to shape what comes next—but only if they choose to use it. The greatest danger isn’t the rise of any one party or leader. It’s the slow, quiet normalization of regimes that chip away at civil liberties, silence opposition, and undermine the very foundations of democracy. The future depends on what we do now.