Trend Democracy weakens and authoritarianism gains ground

Summary

This trend describes democracy losing ground while authoritarian rule spreads. A clear majority of the world's population already lives in countries that cannot be considered democracies, and full democracies are a global minority according to the Democracy Index 2024. Within democratic countries, too, people are less certain about democracy's worth. Sitra argues that its future depends on delivering tangible benefits, better and faster than authoritarian alternatives, and asks whether citizens believe it best protects rights, security and a shared future. Pressures include social-media-driven politics that personalises power, falling commitment to parties and civil society, and the rise of populist parties. Even the United States is now classified as a declining democracy.