A long time ahead of the coronavirus outbreak, democracy was under threat, and the COVID 19 pandemic has only deepened this negative trend. Illiberal leaders have embraced the moment to raise their executive power, increase censorship, forbid public protests, postpone elections, increase surveillance, and limit fundamental rights—under the necessity of safeguarding public health. The pandemic has increased social divisions and triggered a massive economic slowdown that will further affect democratic systems. In the past, various democratic governments, international organizations, and pro-democracy groups have worked together to sustain unsteady transitions and resist backsliding. Today, straightforward ideas about how democracies succeed have been replaced by challenging debates about the causes of their discontent. New technologies have become as much a threat as a benefit to political openness. Read more here.
Source: CARNEGIE ENDOWMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE