Scholars from Cornell University in New York have reported a global retreat of democracy, noting a decline extending across many nations once considered resistant to such shifts. The findings appeared in a scientific publication associated with World Politics (WP).
Researchers examined episodes where democratic principles were compromised in nearly 40 nations, spanning diverse regions from Armenia to Zambia. They observed that more than half of these countries surpassed a level of wealth at which some sociologists expect advanced democracies to remain stable, yet the trend of erosion continued nonetheless.
The analysts emphasize that threats to democratic governance often emerge not through overt coups or interstate conflict, but as autocratic leaders manipulate existing democratic structures such as electoral commissions, legislatures, courts, and the media in service of consolidating executive power. The process is frequently gradual rather than abrupt.
The team outlines four main trajectories through which democracies can backslide. The most common is an executive coup, where the sitting leadership absorbs control of democratic institutions, blurs the lines of separation of powers, and narrows room for opposition. Historical examples cited include Benin, Hungary, Nicaragua, and Turkey.
The second path involves elite conspiracy, wherein incumbent officials, loyal deputies, and corporate interests align to marginalize opposition voices and independent media. This pattern has appeared in Indonesia, Guatemala, and Peru.
Third is a self-coup scenario, in which a country’s leadership closes or neutralizes democratic institutions to centralize power and remove accountability. Tunisia is highlighted as a case illustrating this mechanism.
A fourth category includes countries that managed to halt or slow the decline, with Malawi and South Korea named as examples of resilience.
The researchers stress that the vitality of civil society, the independence of the judiciary, the transparency of legislatures, the efficiency of bureaucracies, and the freedom of the media should never be underestimated. These components must continually adapt and strengthen to sustain democratic performance.
Across the analysis, it becomes clear that long-term stability relies on continuous checks and balances, vigilant institutions, and a political culture that values accountability. The study points to the importance of civic engagement, robust rule of law, and resilient media ecosystems as central to preserving democratic governance in the face of evolving challenges.
A note from the researchers underscores that demographic aging, economic shifts, and social polarization interact with political dynamics to influence democratic endurance. The implications suggest that democracies need ongoing reform, inclusive governance, and steady investment in public institutions to remain credible and effective over time.