Democracy Hangs By A Thread. Who Is Going To Save It?

The year 2024 was anticipated to be pivotal for democracy worldwide. From India’s vibrant and extensive elections to the protests in Tbilisi advocating for Georgia’s post-Soviet democracy, the global call for personal freedoms and the rule of law was unmistakable. Citizens across various nations were demanding accountability and better governance from their leaders. However, alongside this resurgence of democratic aspirations, there was a troubling rise in support for those seeking to undermine the foundational principles of democracy.

In India, the political landscape was marked by a coalition of opposition parties led by the Indian National Congress, which aimed to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule. Despite this resurgence, Modi’s nationalist and Hindu-centric rhetoric resonated with many voters, allowing him to retain power even in the absence of substantial policy achievements. His ability to connect with the electorate through identity politics overshadowed the opposition’s efforts to present a cohesive alternative.

Meanwhile, across Europe, populist and nativist candidates were gaining traction, with many inching closer to power. Immigration emerged as a central issue, serving as a rallying point for these leaders. For instance, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sought to normalize relations with Syria prior to the fall of the Assad regime, even as the influx of Syrian refugees sparked heated debates and political divisions across Europe. Meloni’s relationship with Modi, though perhaps superficial, exemplified a shift in global political alliances, as leaders began to forge connections based on shared populist sentiments.

In contrast, traditional leaders like France’s President Emmanuel Macron found their authority waning. Macron’s attempts to stabilize his government amid unpredictable political currents were met with diminishing legitimacy. Similarly, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz faced a crisis when his ruling coalition collapsed in November, leading to a vote of confidence that he lost. This situation set the stage for snap elections in February, which were expected to be fiercely contested among a fragmented political landscape.

The political turmoil extended to the United Kingdom, where Keir Starmer’s landslide victory in July quickly turned into a struggle for popularity, with some polls indicating he was less favored than his predecessor, Rishi Sunak. This rapid decline in public support highlighted the challenges faced by leaders attempting to navigate a complex and often hostile political environment.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine further complicated the European political landscape, influencing elections in Romania and shaping the continent’s response to the war. The ramifications of this conflict were felt across Europe, as leaders grappled with the implications of their foreign policies in light of domestic pressures.

Many observers pointed to the influence of events in the United States as a driving force behind this populist and anti-democratic trend. Donald Trump’s re-election as president is expected to have significant repercussions, affecting global issues that would dominate the political discourse in 2025. The outcomes of the war in Ukraine, Israel’s military actions against Hamas and Hezbollah, and the resulting peace negotiations would all be viewed through the lens of U.S. domestic politics.

Ultimately, 2024 was meant to be a defining year for democracy. Instead, it revealed a troubling glimpse into a world where the pursuit of collective freedoms and protections could be abandoned. The rise of populism, the erosion of democratic norms, and the increasing polarization of political landscapes underscored the fragility of democracy in the face of both internal and external challenges.

As nations grapple with these dynamics, the future of democracy remains uncertain, raising critical questions about the resilience of democratic institutions and the commitment of leaders to uphold the principles of freedom and justice.