Is U.S. democracy in decline? Here’s what the science says

This decline in the health of U.S. democracy has raised concerns among experts and citizens alike. The events of January 6, 2021, when a mob stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the presidential election, have cast a shadow over the upcoming November 5 election. The bitter partisan divide in the country has only deepened, with more than 60 percent of U.S. respondents fearing that democracy is at risk depending on the outcome of the election.

The erosion of democracy in the United States is not only a domestic concern but also a global issue. Poll respondents from countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and South Korea share the sentiment that the U.S. is no longer a good example of democracy for the rest of the world to follow.

Political scientists use various tools and metrics to measure the health of democratic systems. One such tool, the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) project, evaluates countries based on factors like free and fair elections, freedom of the press, and the strength of checks and balances. The V-Dem index tracks changes in a country’s democratic system over time, allowing researchers to identify trends and potential threats to democracy.

While some experts argue that the decline in U.S. democracy is cause for concern, others believe that it is part of a global trend away from democracy. Political scientist Adam Przeworski’s binary definition of democracy, based on the peaceful transfer of power after an election, has its limitations. Countries like Botswana pose challenges to this definition, as they exhibit democratic features but lack a history of power transitions.

As the United States faces a critical juncture in its democratic history, it is essential for policymakers, researchers, and citizens to pay attention to the signs of democratic erosion. By understanding the factors that contribute to the decline in democracy and taking proactive measures to address them, the U.S. can work towards strengthening its democratic institutions and restoring its reputation as a beacon of democracy for the world. O’Sullivan/Library of Congress

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1920s, Threat: Polarization, Conflict Over Who Belongs
The Ku Klux Klan experienced a resurgence in the 1920s, motivated by fears of a changing society. The group’s ideology of white supremacy and nativism directly challenged the United States’ democratic values. Although the Klan’s influence waned in the mid-20th century, its legacy of racism and xenophobia endures today. Library of Congress

1960s, Threat: Polarization, Conflict Over Who Belongs
The civil rights movement of the 1960s led to significant changes in U.S. law and society, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Yet efforts to disenfranchise Black voters and maintain the status quo persisted. The rise of partisan media outlets and political figures who stoked racial animosity threatened to reverse hard-won progress. Bettmann/Getty Images

Source: Suzanne Mettler and Robert Lieberman, Four Threats

State Department. The studies suggest that when voters organize, push back against authoritarian leaders and rely on independent media to uncover corruption, they can help protect democracy.

Another important factor in maintaining democracy is international pressure. Countries with strong democratic traditions can play a crucial role in supporting struggling democracies. For example, the European Union has put pressure on Hungary to adhere to democratic norms, though such efforts have had limited success.

Additionally, civic education is vital in ensuring that citizens understand the importance of democracy and are equipped to defend it. This includes teaching critical thinking skills, media literacy, and the principles of democratic governance.

Ultimately, the fight to protect democracy requires a multi-faceted approach that involves citizens, institutions, and international partners. By recognizing the threats to democracy and taking proactive steps to address them, we can work towards a more stable and resilient democratic future. The Agency for International Development (AID) plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting democratic values around the world. One country that highlights the importance of constant vigilance in upholding democracy is South Korea. Despite a history of democratic regression and recovery, South Korea has shown resilience in the face of challenges.

In recent years, South Korea experienced a significant shift in its democratic trajectory. The country’s score on the V-Dem project increased from 0.6 in 2014 to 0.8 due to widespread media coverage of a corruption scandal involving then-President Park Geun-hye. The exposure of Park’s central role in the scandal led to massive protests and candlelight rallies demanding her impeachment. In December 2016, South Korea’s National Assembly impeached Park, and the courts upheld the decision in March 2017, forcing her out of office.

Despite these positive developments, recent reports suggest that South Korea’s democratic scores have slipped back to the 0.6 range. The current administration’s actions against members of the previous presidential administration have raised concerns about democratic backsliding in the country. This highlights the need for ongoing efforts to protect and strengthen democratic institutions in South Korea.

In contrast, the United States has demonstrated strong democratic resilience, with robust media outlets, civic society organizations, and political competition. The active engagement of the public in the political process, from learning about candidates to voting and supporting campaigns, contributes to the country’s democratic strength. Empowering institutions and government leaders to uphold democratic values is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy.

Overall, the experiences of countries like South Korea and the United States underscore the importance of constant vigilance and public engagement in safeguarding democracy. By supporting democratic principles and institutions, organizations like AID can play a crucial role in promoting democracy worldwide. The concept of artificial intelligence has been around for decades, but it is only in recent years that the technology has truly started to revolutionize various industries. From self-driving cars to virtual personal assistants, AI is changing the way we live and work.

One of the most exciting developments in AI is its application in healthcare. The potential for AI to improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs is immense. In fact, a recent report by Accenture estimates that AI could save the healthcare industry up to $150 billion annually by 2026.

One way in which AI is being used in healthcare is through predictive analytics. By analyzing vast amounts of patient data, AI algorithms can identify patterns and predict potential health issues before they arise. This allows healthcare providers to intervene early and provide more personalized care to patients.

AI is also being used to improve diagnostic accuracy. For example, IBM’s Watson for Oncology analyzes patient data and medical literature to help oncologists make more informed treatment decisions. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Watson for Oncology was found to be as accurate as a panel of expert oncologists in recommending treatment options for cancer patients.

In addition to improving patient care, AI is also streamlining administrative tasks in healthcare. Chatbots and virtual assistants can help patients schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, and get answers to common medical questions. This not only saves time for healthcare providers, but also improves the overall patient experience.

Despite the many benefits of AI in healthcare, there are also concerns about privacy and data security. As AI systems collect and analyze sensitive patient data, it is crucial to ensure that this information is protected from unauthorized access. Regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States are in place to safeguard patient privacy and security.

Overall, the future of AI in healthcare looks bright. As the technology continues to evolve and improve, we can expect to see even greater advancements in patient care, diagnostic accuracy, and administrative efficiency. By harnessing the power of AI, healthcare providers can truly transform the way they deliver care and improve the lives of patients around the world.