In the modern world, democracy has long been regarded as the gold standard of governance—a political system that champions freedom, pluralism and the voice of the people. Western democracies, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, France and other members of the European Union, have historically promoted their models as ideal frameworks for progress and stability.
However, in recent years, the very nations once seen as the pinnacle of democratic governance have been grappling with political paralysis, social unrest, rising inequality and declining public trust in institutions.
