Much seems to be going wrong with democracy at present. The global advance of democracy is stalled and, what is worse, cynicism about democracy is growing. Recent events in such diverse places as Turkey and the Philippines, the Brexit vote, and the election rhetoric of Donald Trump raise questions about the future of democracy.Presenting papers by academics, diplomats, journalists, political leaders, and other thought leaders from different parts of the world, Democracy under Threat considers challenges to functioning democracies from within and outside. It highlights deficiencies of leadership and institutions and the threats posed not only by populism, caudillism, and dynastic rule but also by the spread of authoritarianism and its spirit.This book helps to make sense of what is happening to democracy in the post-truth era.
Surendra Munshi, former professor of Sociology at the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, is an independent researcher and member of the Program Council of Forum 2000, an organization founded by Václav Havel that upholds the values of democracy, human rights, and tolerance. He has published and spoken on various subjects, including issues concerning democracy, leadership, and global visions.