Threat to Democracies

Threat to Democracies

The development of methods for threatening democracy itself is a major issue for those concerned with freedom and social transformation. The development of new techniques for disseminating information that are designed to identify and discredit opponents is a change in tactics that makes elections more vulnerable to manipulation.

Issues that are threatening the Democracies

In societies with large numbers of citizens with poor access to information, the issue of identity becomes particularly relevant. Often, citizens lack awareness of, or capacity to define their own interests.

Manipulation of grievances by using psychometric techniques and use of ‘deep fakes’ made possible through Artificial Intelligence, further enhances the threat to current notions of democracy.

The IS, that was thought to be defeated following the victories achieved in Syria and Iraq towards the end of 2018, has recently carried out attacks in France (Paris, Nice) and in Austria (Vienna).It reminds of the transnational character of the threat it poses to democratic countries.

There is a growing concern across the globe about increasing efforts to manipulate information in order to perpetuate power. For example, the efforts made by the U.S. President, Donald Trump, to negate the verdict of the recently held presidential elections.

The main threats to democracy are not local in origin. They come from without, from non-democracy itself because it gives people a voice without regard for tradition and beliefs.

Specific Problems to Indian democracy

The Indian government is attempting to construct a caste-based society through a set of fundamental changes to Indian legislation, policy and practice with a view to create a dominant 'Hindu majority' society. It is important to note that this is not a simple set of changes but is an attempt to fundamentally change an entire constitutional system by deviating from the practices and norms that have evolved over centuries, and almost continuously since independence.

The conflict between India and Pakistan in Jammu & Kashmir has resulted in many human rights violations. The situation remains volatile with both states resorting to cease-fires followed by renewed fighting on various fronts with complete impunity. Ongoing cease-fires do nothing to deter both sides from continuing this vicious cycle of violence.

India has been left out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), world’s biggest trade bloc which covers almost a third of the world’s economy.

Provocation by Pakistan by holding of Assembly elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and India’s steady marginalization in Afghanistan where the control of the Taliban is increasing confirms India’s isolation in international arena.