Spotlight

Political observers have noted an ongoing global decline in democracy over the past two decades. And now, the world’s most powerful nation is led by a president who is openly challenging the democratic ideals on which it was built. What are the roots of this backsliding, and how can democracy be strengthened for the 21st century?

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Photo of people protesting and holding up signs. One sign says: "Accountability."

Despite the backsliding, public support for democracy remains strong.

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It’s nothing new, says historian of media, and we can learn from the past.

Two luxury yachts next to each other

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An illustration of a fist shattering the USA Supreme Court Building.

Autocrats can have dark personality traits and perform poorly. Why do people vote for them?

Headshots of the six experts, with a white capital letter Q juxtaposed on top

One pressing question, multiple expert perspectives.

An illustration of two people standing on opposite sides of a rectangular infinity loop

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An illustration of people standing before a barbed wire wall, behind which are finger prints and a giant hand print.

Dismantling it risks turning democracy into a gated community, say UBC experts.

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