by Nomad
What are the causes? What are the effects and what are the long-term implications? And, perhaps most importantly, after the recent rise of right-wing populism, how can trust in liberal democracies be restored?
No Longer "By" or "For the People"
According to a report by German polling firm Dalia Research, titled Democracy Perception Index 2018, trust in governments appears even lower among people in democracies than in states deemed by the pollsters to be undemocratic.It found a majority of people around the world feel like they have no voice in politics and that their governments are not acting in their interest (51% and 58% respectively). In particular, they have little faith that their government is formed “by the people” and works “for the people”.
Another study found that this lack of trust is very dependent on your age group. It showed that people born in the 1930s tended to believe in democracy more than those born in the 1980s. Around 72% of those born in the 1930s in America think democracy is absolutely essential.
However, it's another story for those born since 1980. The attitude can be characterized as being more indifferent. Younger people are more open to alternatives to democracy, such as military or authoritarian rule.
A breakdown of the numbers in the US shows that 43% of older Americans do not think that the military should be allowed to take over when the government is incompetent or failing to do its job.
Amongst younger people, however, the figure is much lower at 19%.
A breakdown of the numbers in the US shows that 43% of older Americans do not think that the military should be allowed to take over when the government is incompetent or failing to do its job.
Amongst younger people, however, the figure is much lower at 19%.
But why? Overall, there appeared to be a perceived disconnect between the governments and the government.
Levels of bureaucracy and administrative barriers and lack of accountability bother almost a third of young people. Insincerity and lack of action trouble a quarter of young people. One fifth felt that the government doesn’t understand them.
A Vicious Cycle
This shift in attitudes among the young has also led to an increase in apathy when it comes to elections. People think democratic institutions are ineffective, don't bother to vote. What's the point? they argue.
As Gurría notes in the video:
And because they don't believe in democracy, because young people are frustrated with the results of globalization so far, they don't participate, they don't go out and vote. And because they don't participate, you have these unexpected results.
The fact that there was low participation [in the elections], the majority allowed the minority to make decisions for them. In many cases, decisions they are now regretting.
Because the non-voting youth no longer believe in those democratic processes, their interests are not a part of the political discussion. And the casualties are slow growth, jobs well below a living wage standard, a disregard for human rights especially for minorities.
That only strengthens the impression that democracy is inferior to a more authoritarian system where oversight and regulation are viewed as forms of obstruction.
That only strengthens the impression that democracy is inferior to a more authoritarian system where oversight and regulation are viewed as forms of obstruction.
Take a look at this insightful video as Gurria examines the problem in depth.