Executive Summary

A resurfacing of authoritarianism is increasingly evident. Georgia and South Korea offer two examples that display worrying signs for democracies globally and favouritism towards authoritarian trends. Harsh legal measures suppressing protests and eroding dissent and liberties in Georgia signal a concerning direction. South Korea saw an imposition, albeit brief, of martial law, signalling that authoritarian tactics from the country’s past still survive. 

Beyond these two national cases, neo-authoritarianism is expanding globally at the expense of democracies. Freedom House reports highlight strong trends of declines in democratic principles and practices, with now about 40% of the global population living under regimes categorised as “Not Free.” Increasing securitization, media and information control, and overuse of emergency powers consolidate and centralise governmental authority, causing observers to question whether or not democratic governments and global stability are in danger.

Images Sourced From: Jelger Groeneveld, Seefooddiet