Is Democracy backsliding? A global Look at Freedom and Authoritarianism

For nearly three decades, democracy seemed to be on an unstoppable march across the globe. The fall of the Berlin wall in 1989 and the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union ushered in an era of optimism, with more and more countries embracing democratic principles. But that trend has reversed.

Today, democracy is under threat, not just in isolated corners of the world, but in established democracies as well. From the United states to India, Brazil to Turkey, we are witnessing a rise in authoritarian tendencies, a weakening of democratic institutions, and a decline in civil liberties.

What does “backsliding” look like?

Democratic backsliding isn’t always a sudden coup or a dramatic overthrow of government.More often, it’s a gradual erosion of democratic norms and practices. this can manifest in several ways:

* Erosion of the Rule of Law: Politicization of the judiciary,selective enforcement of laws,and impunity for those in power.
* Suppression of civil liberties: Restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly, and the press.Crackdowns on dissent and opposition groups.
* Weakening of Electoral Processes: Attempts to manipulate elections, gerrymandering, voter suppression, and undermining trust in electoral institutions.
* Rise of Populism and Nationalism: Leaders who appeal to emotions and prejudices, frequently enough demonizing minorities and undermining democratic values.
* Increased Executive Power: Concentration of power in the hands of the executive branch, frequently enough at the expense of the legislature and judiciary.

Why is this happening?

There are many factors contributing to this global trend. Economic inequality, social polarization, and a decline in trust in institutions all play a role. The rise of social media has also created new challenges, allowing for the spread of misinformation and the amplification of extremist voices.

Some experts argue that democracy itself may be facing an existential crisis, struggling to adapt to the challenges of the 21st century. Others point to the purposeful efforts of authoritarian regimes to undermine democratic norms and promote their own interests.

What’s at stake?

The consequences of democratic backsliding are far-reaching. It can led to political instability, human rights abuses, and economic decline. It can also embolden authoritarian regimes around the world,creating a more dangerous and unstable international order.

Can democracy be saved?

The fight to defend democracy is far from over.There are many individuals and organizations working to promote democratic values and resist authoritarianism. Strengthening democratic institutions, protecting civil liberties, and promoting civic education are all crucial steps.

Ultimately, the fate of democracy depends on the willingness of citizens to defend it. It requires active participation, informed engagement, and a commitment to the principles of freedom, equality, and the rule of law.

While, as Benjamin Franklin quipped, it might potentially be that nothing is certain but death and taxes, only the former can be considered the great equalizer. Death comes for us all, regardless of our social or economic status. Taxes, conversely, have always been far more intricate.

Vanessa S. Williamson’s new book, The Price of Democracy: The Revolutionary Power of Taxation in American History, takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of taxation from colonization to the present day. In doing so, she makes a clear and, I’d argue, unassailable case that taxation, far from being a dry matter of fiscal policy, lies at the very heart of democracy itself.

A senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy center, a senior fellow in Governance Studies at The Brookings Institution, and the author of Read My Lips: Why Americans Are Proud to Pay Taxes, Williamson is eminently qualified to lay bare the intricate relationship between tax policy, wealth distribution, and political power. conveniently for us, she does so in prose that is clear and accessible, while revealing histories that are sometimes horrifying, occasionally humorous, and consistently surprising.

Trump’s ‘Gorgeous’ Tax Bill: A Boon for the Rich, a Decade Later

Ten years after its passage, the 2017 tax cuts championed by Donald Trump continue to overwhelmingly benefit wealthy Americans and corporations, while offering little sustained economic benefit to the broader population.

WASHINGTON – Donald Trump famously called his 2017 tax overhaul “beatiful.” A decade later, the assessment is far from universal. While the law did deliver important tax cuts, the benefits have been heavily skewed toward corporations and the wealthiest Americans, a trend that has become increasingly clear over time.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) slashed the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%,a centerpiece of the legislation. It also included temporary tax cuts for individuals, many of which expired at the end of 2025.

Who benefited?

Data consistently shows the largest benefits went to those at the top. According to the Congressional Budget Office,in 2023,the top 1% of income earners received an average tax cut of over $160,000,while the bottom 60% received cuts of less than $100.

“The 2017 tax cuts were a massive transfer of wealth to the top,” says Steve Wamhoff, director of federal tax policy at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. “They didn’t deliver on the promises of widespread economic growth or wage increases for the middle class.”

Corporations also saw substantial savings. While some companies initially used the tax cuts for stock buybacks and dividends – boosting shareholder value – rather than investments in workers or expansion, the initial surge has subsided.

What about the economy?

Proponents of the TCJA argued it would spur economic growth, leading to higher wages and increased investment. Though, the economic impact has been modest at best. The U.S. experienced steady economic growth in the years following the tax cuts, but it’s difficult to attribute that solely to the legislation, as other factors were at play.

“The tax cuts provided a short-term boost to the economy, but it wasn’t sustained,” says Kyle Pomerleau, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise institute. “and the long-term effects are likely to be negative, as the tax cuts have added to the national debt.”

The looming expiration

Most of the individual tax cuts enacted in 2017 are set to expire at the end of 2025. This creates a political showdown as lawmakers debate whether to extend them, modify them, or let them lapse.

Republicans are largely in favor of making the tax cuts permanent, arguing they are essential for economic growth. Democrats, on the other hand, have criticized the law as unfair and fiscally irresponsible, and are likely to push for changes that would benefit the middle class and raise taxes on the wealthy.

The future of the tax code

the debate over the 2017 tax cuts highlights the fundamental divisions in American tax policy. The question of how to balance tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations with investments in social programs and deficit reduction will continue to be a central issue in American politics for years to come. As the expiration date approaches,the “beautiful” bill is poised to become a major battleground once again.

NPR’s Books We Love

Each year, NPR staff members compile a list of their favorite books. These selections span genres and offer something for every reader. Here are a few highlights from recent lists:

• “Birnam Wood” by Eleanor Catton: A gripping thriller about a guerilla gardening collective clashing with a mysterious American billionaire. Read the NPR review.
• “King: A Life” by Jonathan Eig: A comprehensive and nuanced biography of Martin Luther King Jr.,drawing on newly available FBI files. Read the NPR review.
• “Poverty,by America” by matthew Desmond: An examination of how affluent Americans benefit from the poverty of others.Read the NPR review.
• “Spare” by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex: The highly anticipated memoir from Prince Harry, offering a personal account of his life within the British royal family. Read the NPR review.
• “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese: A multi-generational saga set in kerala, South India, exploring themes of family, medicine, and faith. Read the NPR review.
• “Hello beautiful” by Ann Napolitano: Inspired by *Little Women*, this novel explores the complexities of sisterhood and family life. Read the NPR review.

Explore more books NPR loves here.