Introduction
Democracy, widely celebrated as a system of governance that empowers people to shape
their political future, is rooted in ideals of fairness, representation, and freedom. The term
"democracy" comes from the Greek words "demos" (people) and "kratos" (power), meaning
"power of the people." However, the practical application of democracy in the modern
world is far more complicated. Today, even countries that identify as democratic often
struggle to meet the full expectations of this system. Issues such as voter suppression, lack
of transparency, corporate influence in politics, and authoritarian tendencies frequently
plague both developed and developing nations.
For instance, democratic erosion in the United States—a nation often regarded as the global
benchmark for democracy—has sparked intense debate about the legitimacy of political
representation and the influence of money in policymaking. Similarly, countries like
Bangladesh, while holding regular elections, are accused of vote rigging, suppression of
dissent, and biased media coverage. These examples reflect a pattern seen across many
regions in the world.
This paper investigates whether true democracy—a system where power genuinely belongs
to the people and is exercised with equity and accountability—is achievable in the current
global landscape. Through a comparative study of democratic practices across different
countries, this research aims to uncover the core problems facing modern democracies and
evaluate potential paths toward realizing the ideal of true democratic governance.
Research: Global and National Perspectives
Globally, democracy faces a growing crisis. Countries such as Hungary, India, and Brazil
have experienced "democratic backsliding"—a process where democratic institutions are
gradually weakened by those in power. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2023 Democracy
Index reported that only 24 countries were classified as "full democracies." Most others fall
into categories such as "flawed democracies" or "hybrid regimes," with limited political
rights and civil liberties.
In the United States, political polarization has reached new heights. The 2020 and 2022
elections saw record numbers of legal disputes, and widespread allegations of voter fraud—
many of which were unfounded—created deep mistrust in the system. Corporate lobbying
continues to dominate policy formation. A 2014 Princeton study by Gilens and Page found
that economic elites and business interests have substantial influence over U.S. government
policy, whereas average citizens have little to no independent impact.
In Bangladesh, issues of democracy are even more complex. The 2018 general elections
were marred by allegations of voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and limited access for
opposition parties. Independent media faces harsh restrictions, and civil society
organizations operate under constant scrutiny. This has led many political analysts to
describe Bangladesh’s system as electoral authoritarianism—a system where elections
occur, but power remains concentrated.
Similarly, in countries like Myanmar, military influence overrides democratic processes
entirely. Following the 2021 coup, the military dissolved parliament and imprisoned
democratically elected leaders. These examples illustrate the fragility of democratic
structures worldwide.
Analysis: Causes and Consequences
The decline of democracy in many nations can be attributed to a mix of political, economic,
and social factors. One major cause is the overconcentration of power in the hands of elites
—whether political dynasties in South Asia or corporate entities in Western democracies. In
countries like Bangladesh, a handful of political families have controlled governance for
decades, limiting political competition. In contrast, the United States faces a different type of
power imbalance, where corporations and wea...
Another significant cause is disinformation. The rapid spread of fake news through social
media has influenced election outcomes and widened political divides. In 2016,
misinformation campaigns linked to foreign actors targeted American voters, eroding trust
in democratic processes. According to the Pew Research Center, over 60% of Americans say
fake news causes "a great deal of confusion" about the basic facts of current events.
The consequences of these issues are severe. When citizens perceive that their votes don’t
matter, voter turnout drops. Political disengagement leads to weak civic participation,
giving those in power more room to act without public accountability. In extreme cases,
democratic systems collapse into authoritarian regimes that preserve the facade of
democracy while silencing dissent and manipulating elections.
Evaluation of Sources
Evaluating sources is essential when studying political systems, especially one as complex
as democracy. Reliable sources offer data, expert analysis, and transparency in their
research methods.
Freedom House is a well-established non-governmental organization that publishes annual
reports on global political rights and civil liberties. Its data is peer-reviewed and used by
scholars and policymakers worldwide. Their 2024 report ranks Bangladesh as "Partly Free"
and highlights trends of media repression and state control over institutions.
Transparency International, another key source, publishes the Corruption Perceptions
Index. In 2023, it ranked Bangladesh 149 out of 180 countries, indicating high levels of
corruption. Their data is gathered from expert assessments and business surveys, making it
highly credible.
Peer-reviewed academic journals, like *Perspectives on Politics*, are also valuable. The
2014 study by Gilens and Page provides empirical data to show how economic elites
dominate policy decisions in the U.S., making it a foundational resource in political science.
In contrast, politically affiliated blogs or unverified news sources often provide skewed
perspectives. They lack methodological rigor and are not peer-reviewed, which reduces
their credibility.
Problem Solving
To protect and improve democracy, countries must adopt reforms that promote
transparency, accountability, and participation.
In Bangladesh, reforms should start with empowering the Election Commission to operate
independently. Electoral processes must be monitored by neutral international observers.
Laws must protect journalists and whistleblowers to ensure a free press.
Civic education is another key solution. Teaching citizens, especially youth, about their
rights and responsibilities in a democracy can boost participation and awareness. In Kenya,
the "My Kenya My Voice" initiative has educated thousands of young people about
democratic values, resulting in higher youth voter turnout.
Digital platforms should be regulated to prevent the spread of fake news and foreign
interference. The European Union’s Digital Services Act of 2024 offers a model for
responsible online communication. It holds platforms accountable for content and promotes
transparency in political advertising.
Lastly, citizens themselves must stay engaged—through voting, activism, and holding
leaders accountable. Democracy only functions when people participate.
Reflection
Through this research, I’ve come to understand that democracy is more than just voting in
elections—it’s about fairness, equality, and protecting human rights. I learned that even
countries like the U.S., which are seen as models of democracy, face serious challenges such
as economic inequality and political polarization.
In Bangladesh, I now understand that holding elections is not enough. True democracy also
means allowing free speech, supporting opposition voices, and ensuring justice for all
citizens. I was especially surprised by how common democratic backsliding is, even in
modern times.
This research has changed my view of democracy. I used to think it was a simple system
where people choose leaders. Now, I see it as a complex structure that needs strong
institutions, informed citizens, and constant protection. Democracy is not guaranteed—it
must be built, nurtured, and defended.
References
Author: Freedom House
Title: Freedom in the World 2024
Group: Freedom House
Institution: Freedom House
Address: www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2024
Date it was last updated: 2024
Date you viewed it: April 12, 2025
Author: Martin Gilens & Benjamin I. Page
Title: Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens
Group: Perspectives on Politics
Institution: American Political Science Association
Address: www.cambridge.org/core/journals/perspectives-on-politics/article/testing-
theories-of-american-politics/
Date it was last updated: 2014
Date you viewed it: April 12, 2025
Author: Transparency International
Title: Corruption Perceptions Index 2023
Group: Transparency International
Institution: Transparency International
Address: www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2023
Date it was last updated: 2023
Date you viewed it: April 12, 2025
Author: The Daily Star
Title: Election irregularities and political violence on the rise
Group: The Daily Star
Institution: The Daily Star
Address: www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/elections
Date it was last updated: January 5, 2023
Date you viewed it: April 12, 2025
Author: Pew Research Center
Title: Many Americans Say Made-Up News Is a Critical Problem
Group: Pew Research Center
Institution: Pew Research Center
Address: www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/05/many-americans-say-made-up-
news-is-a-critical-problem
Date it was last updated: 2019
Date you viewed it: April 12, 2025
Author: The Economist Intelligence Unit
Title: Democracy Index 2023
Group: The Economist
Institution: The Economist Intelligence Unit
Address: www.eiu.com/n/campaigns/democracy-index-2023
Date it was last updated: 2024
Date you viewed it: April 12, 2025
Author: European Commission
Title: Digital Services Act
Group: European Union
Institution: European Commission
Address: www.digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-services-act
Date it was last updated: 2024
Date you viewed it: April 12, 2025
Author: My Kenya My Voice
Title: Youth Civic Engagement in Kenya
Group: My Kenya My Voice
Institution: Kenyan Ministry of Youth and Sports
Address: www.mkenyamvoice.org
Date it was last updated: 2023
Date you viewed it: April 12, 2025
