Democracy is relatively new way of managing affairs of countries which rapidly adopted all over the world and trust is eroding slowly.

Yes, trust in democracy and democratic institutions is declining worldwide, based on extensive surveys, academic research, and global trends observed over the past few decades. This erosion has been documented across both established democracies and emerging ones, with dissatisfaction reaching record highs in many regions. For instance, a median of 64% of people in 12 high-income nations expressed dissatisfaction with democracy in recent polling, marking an all-time high. 28 Similarly, trust in key institutions like governments and parliaments has dropped by an average of 7-8 percentage points in democratic countries since 1990. 21 This trend is not isolated to the West; it’s evident in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and beyond, where public confidence in electoral processes and governance has waned, contributing to protests, populist surges, and even democratic backsliding in over 70% of the global population now living under authoritarian-leaning rule. 32 12

The reasons for this loss of trust are multifaceted, stemming from structural, economic, social, and technological factors. Here’s a breakdown of the primary drivers, drawing from a range of perspectives including academic studies, think tanks, media analyses, and public discourse:

1. Economic Failures and Inequality

Economic distress is a core driver, with many people perceiving that democratic systems have failed to deliver prosperity or address widening gaps. The 2008 global financial crisis eroded confidence in governments and capitalism, leading to job losses, home foreclosures, and poverty for millions, while bailouts favored elites. 23 25 Ongoing issues like cost-of-living crises, austerity measures, and quantitative easing (seen as benefiting the rich) have fueled resentment, as voters feel politicians prioritize corporate interests over public needs. 36 0 1 In Latin America, trust in governments has plummeted to around 20%, linked to elite capture and resource exploitation. 38 Globally, this has led to a view that democracy serves the few, not the many, exacerbating anti-elite sentiments.

2. Political Polarization and Institutional Dysfunction

Hyperpolarization, driven by fragmented media and echo chambers, has made governance harder, leading to gridlock and a perception that politicians are self-serving or ineffective. 19 24 Trust in representative institutions (e.g., parliaments) has declined more than in implementing ones (e.g., courts or bureaucracies), as people see politics as uninspiring or captured by elites. 21 34 Events like the Iraq War, based on false premises, and foreign policy missteps have further damaged credibility. 23 25 In some views, this is compounded by oligarchization, where unseen forces (e.g., intelligence agencies, military-industrial complexes) pull strings, making elections feel like a sham. 13 Populist leaders exploit this distrust, but it often stems from genuine failures in accountability and responsiveness. 20 26

3. Misinformation, Social Media, and External Influences

The rise of social media, AI, and disinformation has amplified distrust by spreading conspiracies and polarizing narratives. 19 31 5 Right-wing media and foreign actors (e.g., Russian active measures) erode faith in institutions by questioning legitimacy, facts, and elections. 16 18 This has led to a “crisis of hegemony,” where traditional parties lose control, and people no longer see themselves reflected in governance. 15 In the U.S., only 17% trust the government “most of the time,” a historic low tied to events like Vietnam, Watergate, and recent crises. 25 Globally, this fuels support for authoritarian alternatives, as people prioritize strong leaders over democratic processes. 27 3

4. Failure to Address Global Crises

Democracies have struggled with issues like climate change, pandemics, immigration, and inequality, leading to perceptions of inadequacy. 28 30 The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this, with low-trust societies performing worse due to polarization and skepticism. 30 18 In regions like Europe and Africa, revolts stem from disgust with nepotism and inaction. 8 Some argue democracy’s emphasis on popularity over expertise exacerbates this, as complex problems require competence that elections don’t always select for. 17

5. Corruption, Electoral Flaws, and Perceived Undemocratic Elements

Perceptions of corruption, rigged elections, gerrymandering, and two-party dominance undermine faith. 2 6 11 In many countries, executives consolidate power through “aggrandizement,” weakening checks and balances. 29 Unelected bureaucracies or NGOs are seen as overriding public will on issues like immigration. 3 This has led to a global “anti-political mood,” with declining participation and rising support for non-democratic options. 8 4

While some sources emphasize systemic flaws in democracy itself (e.g., vulnerability to subversion by corrupt actors), 14 others point to external shocks or recoverable issues like better transparency and responsiveness. 20 33 The trend is clear: without addressing these root causes, democratic erosion could continue, potentially leading to more authoritarian shifts or instability. 22 35