The hard facts are sobering: According to a new study, the quality of democracy has deteriorated over the past 20 years in 137 countries that are considered developing or emerging economies. According to the Bertelsmann Foundation’s “Transformation Index,” there are now 63 democracies compared to 74 autocracies. In other words, states that tend not to have free elections or a functioning constitutional state.

  • xmunk@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    26
    arrow-down
    4
    ·
    8 months ago

    Neoliberalism and greed have been allowed to run rampant in many parts of the world. When people feel squeeze by corporations and their government does nothing to protect them they turn to extremism.

    • AdeptusPrimaris@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      12
      ·
      8 months ago

      This, in my opinion, is the biggest problem. Neoliberalism, unchecked corporate capitialism is the main threat to democracy.

      It might sound like hyperbole to some people but i also really feel like it is putting the whole of humanity in danger. With the unchecked plundering of resources around the whole world, and the destruction of ecosystems just for more profits for the ruling class.

      • BossDj@lemm.ee
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        3
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        8 months ago

        But why do so many people approve and advocate for it?

        • floofloof@lemmy.ca
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          8
          ·
          edit-2
          8 months ago

          Decades of relentless propaganda about how capitalism is freedom, individualism is to nobly stand out from the herd, selfishness and greed are unchangeable human nature, owning and consuming material goods makes the best life, and any deviation from this plan is evil communism that would put us all in gulags.

        • somethingchameleon@lemmy.ca
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          2
          ·
          8 months ago

          Because it’s a cult with leaders and servants.

          If you want to be accepted by the cult members, you have to show your loyalty.

          Anything else makes you an enemy.