Representative democracy, long hailed as a cornerstone of global governance, faces mounting challenges as disillusionment grows with its practical effectiveness, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey released on February 28.
While the concept of representative democracy enjoys widespread support, with 77 percent of respondents across 24 democratic countries regarding it favorably, there’s a noticeable discontent with its functioning within their own nations, with a median of 59 percent expressing dissatisfaction.
This discontent comes at a crucial time for democracies worldwide, with elections scheduled in more than 
50 nations, collectively representing half of the global population. Notably, this includes India’s Lok Sabha elections in April-May and the United States’ presidential election in November.
The survey also points to a significant trend: the rise in support for authoritarian leadership. Across several surveyed nations, including India, support for a “strong leader” unencumbered by checks and balances has surged since 2017. In India, 67 percent of respondents view such leadership favorably, marking a substantial increase of 12 percent since the last survey. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a remarkable 79 percent favorability rating, stands as a prominent figure in this trend.
The allure of authoritarianism is not confined to India. Across Europe, individuals with favorable views towards right-wing populist parties are more inclined to support autocratic governance. For example, in Germany, 37 percent of those favoring the Alternative for Germany party express support for non-democratic governance.
Increase in Authoritarian prefrence
Furthermore, support for authoritarian leadership tends to be more pronounced among individuals with lower levels of education and income, as well as those leaning towards the ideological right. Interestingly, approximately one-third of residents in middle-income countries, such as Mexico, India, and Indonesia, expressed support for military rule.
Despite these trends, the survey also underscores the enduring popularity of representative democracy globally. However, support for this model has waned since 2017, coinciding with the rise in support for strongman leadership.
In conclusion, the Pew survey sheds light on the complex landscape of global governance, where the allure of authoritarianism is on the rise amidst growing discontent with representative democracy. As nations gear up for crucial elections, these findings prompt reflection on the future trajectory of democratic governance worldwide.
