In the age-old tug-of-war between democracy and dictatorship, the stakes have never been higher. Democracies promote freedom, civic participation, and responsibility, while dictatorships promise stability and instant decision-making. Yet, as the world faces relentless economic upheavals such as climate crises and digital transformation, both systems struggle to achieve lasting stability. This paradox, where both freedoms and control strive to secure modern governance, questions whether an ideal government can truly balance liberty with security. As they say, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Each system wrestles with internal challenges that shape our global future.
Democracies are government systems that pride themselves on allowing citizens a voice, maintaining transparency, and encouraging diverse ideas. However, these freedoms can lead to increased polarisation, with factions emerging that are deeply divided on core issues. This division often results in political gridlock, as seen in many democratic nations, such as the stalemate in the United Kingdom parliament over BREXIT in 2019. Deep divisions within Parliament prevented an agreement on the exit terms despite a national referendum in favor of leaving the European Union. The parties clashed on ideology, leading to repeated extensions, compromised legislation, and public frustration that eventually led to a national election to resolve the stalemate. Thus, it portrays that the freedom that democracy promises sometimes impedes the government’s ability to speak pressing concerns swiftly.
Dictatorships highlight the need for stability, which can lead to quick and decisive action in times of turmoil. Without needing long discussions or public approval, social order and economic growth are implemented through policies of authoritarian regimes. This stability often comes at the cost of suppressing dissent, restricting personal freedoms, and controlling public participation. The Uyghur Muslim population in the Xinjiang region of China has been a target of oppressive policies by Chinese authorities. However, the Chinese government justifies it by saying its actions are central to its emerging economic development and national security.
They claim that through these processes, they are battling extremism and fostering social harmony. Yet the reports direct that these measures and tactics done by the government have led to substantial human rights violations declared by Human Rights Watch, such as the suppression of religious practices, forced labor, and cultural integration efforts. These regimes portray a double-edged sword: in the name of stability, a lack of individual freedoms can breed resentment and a sense of alienation among citizens, threatening the long-term security the Chinese hope to uphold.
In response to the current growing global pressures, hybrid governance models have been adopted by some countries, having a mix of democratic structures with authoritarian mechanisms. These arrangements assure stability while preserving a facade of democratic legitimacy, often appealing to citizens cautious of instability and leaders in the quest for greater control. Under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey is a key illustration of how this system comes into play. Although Turkey holds democratic elections and maintains liberal institutions on paper, the president’s amalgamation of power has eroded judicial independence, limited press freedom, and curbed political opposition. It came into existence in the aftermath of the 2016 failed coup attempt.
Following the coup, Erdogan’s government declared a state of emergency, allowing sweeping powers to detain individuals in which public sector workers were dismissed, and journalists, academics, and opposition figures were arrested, often under the pretext of countering terrorism. This heavy crackdown by Erdogan curtailed the political opposition by accusing Fethullah Gulen, a cleric living in exile, of orchestrating the attempt.
The 2017 referendum further transformed Turkey’s political system from parliamentary to presidential, consolidating power, reducing democratic accountability, and expanding Erdogan’s authority. While this approach has enabled decisive actions in economic sectors and security policies, including arresting thousands and shutting down media outlets, it drew international criticism for stifling freedoms and eroding Turkey’s democratic institutions.
In the lead-up to the 2024 United States elections, the infamous national debate over democracy’s usefulness has become deeply polarized. Many surveys reveal that while Americans overwhelmingly value and signify democracy in principle, most are increasingly frustrated by its incapability to produce tangible results on issues that American citizens care about. This frustration and stress cuts across party lines, with Republicans and Democrats voicing dissatisfaction.
Candidates like Kamala Harris, a lead figure in the Democratic Party for the 2024 elections, can be perceived as having a facade that masks her true intentions. While she promotes preserving democratic principles, Donald Trump’s tactic has shifted towards bolder, less restrained actions, resonating with a public that is increasingly skeptical that current democratic frameworks adequately address pressing issues. This dichotomy stresses a critical tension in American politics, where the mission for civil rights and actual governance often clashes with the demand for immediate results and conclusive leadership.
This internal divide is mirrored in the international arena. Claiming to stand as champions of democracy, the American’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict raises upsetting questions about their commitment to human rights abroad. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza highlights a moral inconsistency. While the US advocates for human rights and democracy, its political response to the conflict, prioritizing its alliance, lobbying, and influence over intervention, exposes a blatant gap between democratic ideals and reality. The paradox is evident: democracy is prized yet faltering at home, while abroad, American policy normally appears selectively democratic.
Unprecedented strain from the rise of global issues like climate change and technological surveillance or advancement also impacts modern governance, whether democratic or authoritarian. Democracies face challenges in directing large-scale environmental action. Take the United States, where climate policies can be intertwined in prejudiced divides.
The Obama administration aimed to reduce carbon emissions from power plants; however, its implementation faced pushback from states and industries with interests tied to coal and fossil fuels. After years of political resistance and legal challenges, the Trump administration eventually halted the plan, prioritizing deregulation and even withdrawing the US from the prominent Paris Agreement. The repeated reversals of joining and not joining demonstrate how political shifts can impact the continuity of climate policy.
Both democratic and authoritarian systems face divergent obstacles in managing global challenges. Democracies, entangled in deep-rooted polarization, struggle to craft and enforce long-term solutions as contrasting views frequently clash. Meanwhile, authoritarian regimes, though competent in decision-making, limit freedoms to uphold strict control. In places like Turkey, hybrid models offer a complex mix of democratic and authoritarian features. They may respond rapidly to security and economic development, yet repeatedly at the cost of eroding democratic principles and individual rights.
The future of governance will rest on each system’s ability to adapt with transparency and accountability. For democracies, this means bridging partisan divides to challenge continuing issues like climate change with a unified approach. Authoritarian states, by contrast, must strive to meet citizens’ needs without compromising basic freedoms. As we navigate the 21st century, the true test will be how each model balances swift governance with the liberties its people hold dear, a balance that may make or break their future.
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The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.
She is a student of international relations, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the field from Bahria University. With a deep interest in global affairs, she writes on topics related to geopolitics and international dynamics, aiming to contribute thoughtful analysis on contemporary global issues.