This blog post provides CSS students with an in-depth analysis of an important editorial. It aims to explain key concepts, such as democratic backsliding and the erosion of civil liberties, while summarizing the main points discussed. By familiarizing themselves with the vocabulary used in the editorial, students can gain a better understanding of the topic.
Please click on the link to read the editorial
Vocabulary
Polarisation: The division or separation of people or groups into opposing factions or opinions.
Toxic politics: Refers to the presence of negative or harmful practices within the political sphere, such as corruption, dishonesty, manipulation, and the prioritization of personal or partisan interests over the welfare of the public.
Erosion: The gradual decline or deterioration of something, in this context, referring to the decline of
civil liberties and media freedom.
Dissent: The expression of disagreement or opposition to prevailing opinions or policies.
Backdrop: The underlying or surrounding circumstances or conditions against which something is viewed
or experienced.
Autocracies: Governments or states in which one person or a small group holds absolute power and
authority.
Authoritarian: Refers to a form of government characterized by strong central power and limited
individual freedoms.
Flawed democracy: A classification used by the Economist Intelligence Unit to describe a democratic
system that has significant shortcomings and limitations.
Hybrid democracy: A classification used to describe a political system that combines elements of both
democracy and autocracy.
Backsliding: The deterioration or regression of a system, in this context, referring to the decline of
democracy in various countries.
Repression: The act of suppressing or controlling something, often related to the restriction of civil
liberties or freedom of expression.
Illiberal democracies: Political systems that retain the form of democracy but exhibit authoritarian
tendencies and disregard democratic norms.
Populist: Refers to political leaders who appeal to the desires and concerns of ordinary people, often by
presenting themselves as anti-establishment and advocating for policies that resonate with popular
sentiment.
Scaremongering: The act of spreading exaggerated or unfounded fears or concerns to influence public
opinion or gain political advantage.
Pluralist: Refers to a society or political system that recognizes and accommodates a diversity of
opinions, beliefs, and interests.
Globalization: The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries and
regions on a global scale, often in economic, political, and cultural aspects.
Cost-of-living crisis: A situation characterized by a significant rise in the cost of essential goods and
services, leading to financial difficulties for individuals and households.
Democratic consolidation: The process of strengthening and stabilizing democratic institutions and
practices in a country.
Marginalization: The act of treating someone or something as insignificant or peripheral, often resulting
in their exclusion or limited influence.
Civil liberties: Fundamental rights and freedoms that are granted to individuals and protected by law, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion. The erosion of civil liberties refers to the infringement or curtailment of these rights.
Media freedom: The ability of the media to operate independently and without undue influence or censorship from the government or other powerful entities. The erosion of media freedom refers to restrictions and limitations placed on journalists and media outlets, leading to a lack of free and unbiased reporting.
Suppression of dissent: Refers to the actions taken by authorities to silence or suppress opposing viewpoints or criticism. It can involve censorship, intimidation, imprisonment, or other forms of repressive measures.
Authoritarian conduct: Refers to the actions and behaviors of leaders or governments that involve the concentration of power, disregard for democratic norms and institutions, and the suppression of opposition or dissent.
Checks and balances: A system of controls within a government or organization that ensures no single entity or branch of power becomes too dominant. It helps prevent abuses of power and promotes accountability.
Disconnect: A lack of understanding or communication between different groups, especially between political elites and the general population. It reflects a growing gap or disconnection between the interests and concerns of the people and those in positions of power.
Political polarization: The division of society or political discourse into opposing and often extreme ideological positions. It can lead to increased hostility, a breakdown of dialogue, and difficulties in reaching consensus or compromise.
By grasping the key vocabulary related to democratic backsliding and civil liberties, students can navigate the topic more effectively. It is essential for future leaders and policymakers to comprehend these concepts to safeguard and promote democracy in their respective societies.
Important Points of the Editorial
Many democracies around the world are facing challenges such as polarization, intolerance, and toxic politics.
There has been an erosion of civil liberties, media freedom, and suppression of dissent in these democracies.
Reports by international organizations indicate a global trend of democratic erosion, with a significant decline in the level of democracy enjoyed by the average global citizen.
The number of autocracies has increased, surpassing the number of liberal democracies.
A large portion of the global population lives in autocracies, and the wave of autocratisation is occurring in all regions.
The Economist Intelligence report shows that only a small percentage of the world's population resides in full democracies, with a significant number living in authoritarian or flawed democracies.
The Global State of Democracy report highlights a record number of declining democracies, attributing this decline to the political consequences of the economic crisis and the cost-of-living crisis.
Countries like the US, India, Brazil, and Pakistan have experienced democratic backsliding.
Freedom House's assessment confirms the decline in global freedom, with civil liberties, political rights, and freedom of expression being undermined in many countries.
Illiberal democracies have emerged, characterized by right-wing populism, disregard for democratic institutions, and the suppression of civil liberties and media.
Factors contributing to democratic backsliding include the disconnect between political elites and the people, failure of established political parties, poor governance, increasing inequality, political polarization, and economic and social discontent.
Pakistan has had a troubled political past, with periods of military rule and fragile civilian democratic governments.
The post-2018 period in Pakistan has seen democratic regression, with an expansive role of the military establishment in politics, governance, and the economy.
There have been politically motivated corruption cases, the jailing of political figures and activists, media controls, defiance of the rule of law, and marginalization of parliament.
The future of democracy in Pakistan remains uncertain, with questions about whether it will experience democratic consolidation or further decline.
Summary
The text highlights the global trend of democratic erosion, citing challenges faced by democracies such
as the erosion of civil liberties, media freedom, and the suppression of dissent. Reports from
international organizations show a decline in democracy, with more autocracies than liberal
democracies for the first time in decades. Factors contributing to democratic backsliding include political
polarization, economic stress, and unmet public expectations. The situation in Pakistan is specifically
mentioned, with periods of military rule and fragile civilian governments. The post-2018 period in
Pakistan has seen democratic regression, with an expanded role for the military establishment and a
decline in democratic institutions. The future of democracy in Pakistan remains uncertain.
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