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Democracy Is Dying Around The World
The state of democracy around the world is in a precarious position, with many countries struggling to maintain basic freedoms and rights that define a democratic society. From authoritarian regimes to right-wing populism and crumbling democracies, the current political landscape paints a dismal picture of what the future holds for nations all over the globe.
In recent years, many countries have seen their democracies erode as autocrats seize control or populist leaders rise to power by appealing to anti-democratic sentiment. In Russia, President Vladimir Putin has used his office to systematically undermine civil liberties and advance an agenda of autocratic rule. Meanwhile, in Turkey, President Erdogan is consolidating power and silencing critics while his government continues its push towards further diminishing democratic norms.
Elsewhere in Europe, far-right parties have been gaining ground in elections across the continent. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party has established an increasingly authoritarian government through manipulating elections and undermining freedom of speech and press. Poland has also witnessed the rise of a strong illiberal movement which has recently come into conflict with the European Union over repeated attempts to limit judicial independence.