What is the current status of democracy in the world?
In its 2025 report, V-Dem, a Swedish independent research organization, concluded there were more dictatorial states (91) than democracies (88) for the first time since 2002.
The report warned that those numbers underscore the serious decline of democracy around the world.
After an apparent victory over communism with the end of the Cold War, democracy now faces a major challenge.
The benefits of globalization did not reach all citizens, leading to a maldistribution of wealth.
The dissatisfaction and hatred toward existing political parties and society of those who feel left behind have been amplified through social media, widening the division.
On the other hand, authoritarian governments monitor their citizens to shut off opposing opinions. Under tight state control, decisions are quickly made, giving the impression of “efficiency.”
Many people likely hold doubts as to whether democracy is something that should be protected.
The values of this government system can be found in “Democracy,” a textbook for junior and senior high schools that was published by the old education ministry soon after the end of World War II.
At that time, expectations for a fresh start in Japan were heightened as the people were liberated from oppression and a lack of freedom.
STRENGTHS OF DEMOCRATIC NATIONS
In a democracy, where citizens are respected as individuals, a major strength is the freedom and equality that lie in its roots.
While time may be required to thoroughly discuss all decisions on policy matters, democracy does have the ability to correct mistakes.
For example, elections can oust corrupt politicians.
And policy toward the Vietnam War by the United States, which had covered up the facts, changed course through the outcry of its citizens.
In dictatorships, those in power shut down those who criticize government mistakes, making corrections impossible to achieve.
The website for the American Center managed by the U.S. State Department and U.S. Embassy once had a section that defined democracy as a system placing the government under the control of laws and allowing all citizens equal protection under the law.
The section also explained that majority rule was respected in a democracy, but that the fundamental rights of individuals and minority groups would be earnestly protected.
But in 2025, the pages containing such definitions were deleted. It is not clear if the deletions were related to the second inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Although the United States led the way after World War II in creating an international order based on the rule of law, the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy released in November declared, “The days of the United States propping up the entire world order like Atlas are over.”
Trump is also moving to destroy the separation of powers, brazenly interfering in the judicial branch by firing prosecutors who previously investigated allegations against him.
In our New Year editorial for 2023, we expressed concerns about the decline of democracy, but we also displayed expectations for its recovery.
The situation, however, has worsened since then.
After the Trump administration ended overseas support activities through the U.S. Agency for International Development, assistance toward democratic movements in Southeast Asia has stalled to the advantage of China and Russia.
In European nations, such as Germany and France, ultraright, anti-immigrant parties have increased their popularity.
FOUR DEMOCRACY INDICES
In its 2022 report, the U.S. nongovernmental organization Freedom House listed four indices for determining if democratic nations were moving toward authoritarianism.
The first was “undermining the rule of law” by politicians and governments through the weakening of judicial independence.
The second was “perverting elections” to undercut public faith in democratic balloting through opaque financing and manipulation of electoral rules.
The third was “attacking media freedom” by targeting journalists and blocking access to information.
The fourth was “discrimination and mistreatment of migrants” and marginalized communities.
The “Democracy” textbook published after World War II also pointed to the fragility of democracy, warning that even in a democratized Japan, dictatorship could rear its ugly head at any time and from anywhere.
The textbook stressed the need for citizens to have a critical state of mind and awareness of that weakness of democracy.
ANTI-DEMOCRATIC TRENDS IN JAPAN
Democracy is also wavering in Japan.
If we use the four indices, rule of law is threatened by the proposal of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration to create an anti-spying law, which could narrow the rights of citizens.
A law enacted in 2014 to protect specially designated secrets has already affected reporting activities. The anti-spying legislation could further strengthen restrictions on free speech under the excuse of protecting Japan from foreign nations.
The Liberal Democratic Party is reluctant to further investigate money scandals by its lawmakers, while a proposal to revise the electoral system would be advantageous to the ruling coalition and could arbitrarily eliminate small parties.
A government panel has also started work on restricting entry into Japan by foreigners, a policy that could further spread xenophobia around Japan.
Populism that gains support through xenophobia and chest-pumping arguments is also spreading into Japan. This reflects the distortions in politics and society that fuel dissatisfaction among the public with their daily lives.
Can those distortions be corrected? Or will populist politicians use them to further agitate fear?
Japan stands at a crossroads.
If nothing is done and division deepens, “other people” could be viewed as a hated enemy, and an authoritarian atmosphere would strengthen under such circumstances.
Democracy, however, has shown the ability to recover from past difficulties.
Although viewpoints and perspectives may differ in a democracy, respect has been shown for the other party, and common ground is sought through dialogue in search of compromise.
Politicians and citizens should once again recognize this principle and strength and avoid falling into the trap of division.
–The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 1
