Navigating Global Democracy Trends: Insights from The Global State of Democracy 2023

International Idea is an intergovernmental organization committed to promoting sustainable democracy worldwide. Their mission is to advance democracy as a universal human aspiration and a catalyst for sustainable development. They achieve this by supporting and strengthening democratic institutions and processes at all levels.

On November 2, the Amman Center for Human Rights Studies attended in the webinar “The Global State of Democracy 2023”, now in its fifth edition. Utilizing a meticulous approach that melds research proficiency with practical field experience, it conducts a comprehensive evaluation of democracy across 173 countries. This year, the emphasis centers on the critical role of countervailing institutions in advancing democracy. The webinar furnishes a well-founded analysis of global and regional democracy trends, complemented by illustrative case studies and tangible recommendations for policymakers.

Noteworthy Quotes

1. Kevin Casas-Zamora emphasizes that democracy is a global aspiration that we must safeguard for all. It belongs to each one of us, and we are entitled to it.
2. Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi expresses concern over the decline of global democracy and stresses the importance of recognizing and supporting those working towards democracy.
3. José Ramos-Horta underscores that democracy is not about personal gain, but about serving the people. He highlights the positive changes brought about by the election of a new president in the Philippines and points to the dynamics demonstrated by Trump, emphasizing the need for strong institutions, not strong individuals.
4. Seema Shah discusses specific instances of challenges to democracy, such as the harassment of an expatriate journalist in Bangladesh and consequences faced for criticism of the president in South Korea. She emphasizes the need to consistently protect elections, not just on the day of the election.

Key Themes and Definitions

1. Democracy Definition (According to International Idea): Democracy means popular control over public decision-making, ensuring equality between citizens in the exercise of that control.
2. Democratic Performance Criteria (According to IGO)
   • Representation
   • Rights
   • Rule of Law
   • Participation
3. Countervailing Institutions: These are democratic safeguards that ensure power is distributed between governmental branches and that citizens’ voices are heard by decision-makers. They play a vital role in maintaining the balance of power within a democracy.

Panel discussion

1. Challenge in democracies
   • Kunthida Rungruengkiat suggests that when democracies experience decline, the population may lose hope and turn to alternative sources of governance.
2. Trust and Democracies
   • Isabel Aninat emphasizes that democracy requires a high level of trust among its citizens.
3. Hope in Non-Democratic Countries
   • Leopoldo López notes that even in countries far from achieving democratic ideals, the people can remain hopeful. He cites the example of a hunger strike in Venezuela in 2015, which was a powerful political move to exert pressure for change.

Concluding Remarks from the ACHRS

The 2023 edition of ‘Global State of Democracy,’ hosted by International Idea, offers a comprehensive analysis of the state of democracy worldwide. It underscores the importance of countervailing institutions and highlights challenges faced by democracies, both long-standing and emerging. The call for collaborative efforts between formal and informal institutions, movements, and organizations is crucial to ensure thriving democracies and create opportunities for change in non-democratic states. In this context, upholding the values of democracy as a universal human aspiration and an essential driver of sustainable development is paramount.