Is Authoritarianism Threatening Democracies?

In recent years, the global political landscape has witnessed an unsettling shift, many nations once regarded as paragons of democracy are now grappling with the rise of authoritarian leaders and populist movements. What was once perceived as an irreversible march toward democratic consolidation in the post-Cold War era has now been marred by challenges that undermine democratic values. The increasing erosion of political systems, freedom of speech, and judicial independence in many democracies poses significant risks to international stability and the democratic ideals that underpin global governance. What are the mechanisms driving the rise of authoritarianism, the risks to political freedoms, and the potential consequences of these trends for global stability?

The Global Shift towards Authoritarianism
The trend toward authoritarianism is not confined to any one region or set of countries. From Hungary to the Philippines, from Brazil to Poland, the rise of leaders who challenge democratic norms has become a defining feature of the contemporary political landscape. These leaders often employ populist rhetoric that appeals to disaffected voters, capitalizing on social and economic discontent. However, their strategies of consolidation of power frequently involve undermining democratic institutions, curbing political opposition, and stifling dissent.

A key aspect of this shift is the manipulation of the political system. In many countries, elected leaders have sought to change constitutions or circumvent term limits to extend their stay in power. This is most evident in countries like Russia, where President Vladimir Putin has systematically dismantled checks on his authority, consolidating power over the years through constitutional amendments and silencing political opposition. Despite his regime's authoritarian leanings, Putin has been able to maintain popular support by framing himself as the protector of national interests, a tactic that has become emblematic of modern authoritarianism.

In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has similarly exploited populism to entrench his power. After a 2016 coup attempt, Erdoğan used the crisis to declare a state of emergency and consolidate control over state institutions. Under his leadership, Turkey has witnessed a decline in democratic practices, including the erosion of judicial independence, the suppression of free speech, and the imprisonment of political opponents and journalists. Erdoğan's shift toward authoritarian rule highlights a troubling trend wherein crises are manipulated to curtail democratic freedoms, often with the tacit approval of an increasingly passive or complicit electorate.

Threats to Political Systems and Freedom of Speech

One of the most concerning aspects of rising authoritarianism is the growing vulnerability of political systems. In many democracies, the political opposition has been systematically undermined or co-opted by the ruling party, which blurs the line between the state and the government. This phenomenon is evident in countries like Hungary and Poland, where governments have increasingly consolidated power in ways that compromise democratic principles.

In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has engineered a political system that favors his Fidesz party, significantly reducing the checks on executive power. Orbán’s government has passed laws that weaken the independence of the judiciary, limit civil society’s ability to operate freely and control the media landscape. The erosion of democratic structures in Hungary has not gone unnoticed, yet the European Union (EU) has struggled to impose effective sanctions, often pointing to the country’s strategic importance within the EU as a barrier to meaningful action.

Poland, similarly, has witnessed the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) exert increasing control over the judiciary. The PiS has passed controversial judicial reforms that critics argue are aimed at securing political control over the judiciary, effectively undermining its independence. These reforms have led to widespread protests and clashes with the European Union, which has condemned Poland for its failure to uphold the rule of law. However, Poland’s leaders have defended these reforms as necessary for ensuring the country’s sovereignty, positioning themselves against what they perceive as EU overreach.

In countries like these, the erosion of political systems goes hand-in-hand with restrictions on freedom of speech. In Hungary, Orbán’s government has worked to muzzle independent media outlets, creating a media landscape that favors pro-government narratives. Independent journalism has been increasingly relegated to the margins, and journalists critical of the government face threats, harassment and legal action. Similarly, in Poland, there has been a steady rise in attacks on journalists, including physical assaults and legal harassment, as well as government pressure on media outlets to align with the ruling party’s agenda.

The decline in press freedom is not restricted to these European examples. In countries like the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte’s government has aggressively attacked media outlets critical of his administration, notably targeting Rappler, a prominent online news outlet. Duterte’s administration has used legal action to try to silence journalists and discredit media organizations, portraying them as enemies of the people. The crackdown on media freedom under Duterte's leadership underscores the broader global trend of authoritarian governments seeking to control the narrative through the suppression of independent journalism.

Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law
The independence of the judiciary is another cornerstone of democracy that is increasingly under threat. Authoritarian regimes often recognize that an independent judiciary is one of the greatest obstacles to the consolidation of power, and they seek to undermine it by packing courts with loyalists or undermining judicial accountability.

In countries like Turkey, the judiciary has become an instrument of the state, with judges and prosecutors often acting in line with the government’s political agenda. This trend has been further exacerbated by the dismissal of thousands of judges following the 2016 coup attempt. The Turkish government’s manipulation of the judiciary has made it increasingly difficult for individuals and groups to challenge the government’s actions in court, leading to a chilling effect on political dissent.

In Poland, as mentioned earlier, the government’s judicial reforms have triggered concerns over the erosion of the separation of powers. The PiS has introduced changes that allow the government to exert influence over the appointment of judges and the functioning of courts, raising questions about the future of judicial independence in the country. These actions not only undermine the rule of law but also weaken citizens’ trust in their legal system, eroding the very foundations of democracy.

Similarly, in countries like Russia and Venezuela, the judicial system has become an arm of the executive, with courts frequently acting in favour of the ruling regime. The manipulation of the judiciary in these countries is a direct threat to the principles of justice, fairness and accountability. Without an independent judiciary, there can be no meaningful checks on the power of authoritarian leaders, and citizens are left with little recourse to challenge unjust laws or government actions.

The Global Risks to International Stability
The rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic values present serious risks to international stability. In the absence of strong democratic institutions and protections for individual freedoms, countries become more prone to internal unrest and external aggression. Authoritarian regimes often rely on nationalism and military power to assert their dominance, which can lead to heightened tensions both within and outside their borders.

In recent years, Russia’s increasingly aggressive foreign policy has been a prime example of how authoritarian regimes can destabilize international relations. Putin’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and his ongoing support for separatist movements in eastern Ukraine, coupled with Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine in 2022, have led to a prolonged conflict that has destabilized Europe. The West has responded with sanctions and diplomatic isolation, but the conflict has escalated, and tensions between NATO and Russia remain high. Similarly, China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and its efforts to influence neighboring countries through economic pressure have led to concerns about regional stability and the future of global governance.

In Latin America, Venezuela’s descent into authoritarianism under Nicolás Maduro has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions fleeing the country in search of refuge. The Venezuelan government’s repression of political opponents and the media, coupled with the collapse of its economic and social systems, has made the country a destabilizing force in the region. Venezuela’s ongoing crisis has also exacerbated tensions between the United States and its allies, on the one hand, and countries like Russia and China, which continue to support Maduro’s regime, on the other.

Conclusion
The rise of authoritarianism in global democracies is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As leaders increasingly seek to consolidate power and undermine democratic institutions, the very foundations of political systems, freedom of speech and judicial independence are under threat. From Hungary and Poland to Turkey and the Philippines, authoritarian movements have shown that even the most established democracies are vulnerable to erosion. The consequences of this shift extend far beyond national borders, as rising authoritarianism threatens global stability and the international order.

To confront this threat, democratic countries must work together to protect the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The international community must hold authoritarian regimes accountable for their actions, while also supporting democratic movements and institutions that seek to uphold these values. Failure to do so could lead to a world where authoritarianism becomes the new norm, with far-reaching consequences for global peace, security and stability.

The writer is a journalist and columnist specializing in international affairs, a PR expert, and a journalism lecturer with a PhD in Journalism and expertise in global diplomacy and foreign policy. Contact: [email protected]